Geography

Head of Department: Mr S Long

Teacher of Geography: Mr S Long

Aim

Geography at Finch Woods aspires to provide students with relevant and topical geographical content, that inspires students to become well rounded global citizens. Lessons are planned to teach students about local, national and global issues and challenges, focusing on ways that we can help manage a sustainable future.

Intent

Geography Intent Statement: ‘The study of Geography is understanding the complexity of the world, appreciating the diversity of cultures and using our knowledge to bridge divides and bring people together.’

Our Geography curriculum will inspire students to understand what it is to be a geographer; they will have the necessary skills to carry out independent geographical enquiry, asking relevant questions, making sense of geographical data, thinking critically about different views and justifying their own views in reaching their conclusions. Our teaching will ensure students have a rounded understanding of geographical knowledge and vocabulary. We learn and practice geography skills and language routinely so that students are confident using academic skills and language in other contexts throughout their education and beyond.

Implementation

Pupils have full access to the Geography National Curriculum which is differentiated to meet pupils learning needs and styles. Students will want to aspire and achieve their goals through hard work, determination and a keen interest in the subject area. Demonstration and modelling are key aspects of teaching in geography. We engage students in guided practice and offer constant feedback to ensure students master key concepts, places and processes.

Opportunities to complete fieldwork at KS3 and KS4 provide students with real world contexts to apply their knowledge to. Key concepts are revisited over the key stages as well as between lessons. We utilise teaching through case studies as they are relevant to the lived experiences of students and cover a range of countries, in order to leave enable student to become well-rounded and knowledgeable geographers.

Impact

Our curriculum will ensure that all geographers have an appreciation for the world they live in and a deeper understanding of how their actions can have an impact on the people and places around them. Students will have a drive and passion for finding out about the world and its people, as well as having a keen interest and inspiration to travel, in order to deepen their knowledge and understanding.

Indeed, we enrich our curriculum through a range of field trips, visits and other extracurricular activities that all contribute to students developing strong independent learning skills, both inside and outside the classroom. We foster enthusiasm for our discipline and subsequently prepare our students for further education and potential careers in related fields.

Programme of study

KS3:

To explore key concepts and processes in a range of geographical locations whilst equipping students with key geographical skills needed to progress further with Geography.

Overview of Topics Covered in Year 7:

Overview of Topics Covered in Year 8:

Overview of Topics Covered in Year 9:

Useful website:

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography

KS4:

GCSE Geography lessons at Finch Woods follow the AQA Specifications. The curriculum is based on a balance between physical and human Geography; students will investigate the link between the two themes and explore the battle between the man-made and natural worlds. Topics of study include current issues such as climate change, poverty, deprivation, economic power and sustainability. Students also have potential to understand their role in society and consider different viewpoints, attitudes and values.

AQA Exam Board Link:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035

Overview of Topics Covered in Year 10:

Overview of Topics Covered in Year 11:

Exam information:

Unit 1: Living with physical environments (Exam: 35%, 1hr 30mins)

This unit is concerned with physical processes and systems, their dynamic nature and human interaction with them at a range of scales and in a range of places.

Unit 2: Challenges in the human environment (Exam 35% - 1hr 30mins)

This unit is concerned with human processes, systems and outcomes and how these changes both spatially and temporally.

Unit 3: Geographical Applications (Exam: 30%, 1hr)

Resource material will be released before the exam based on a geographical issue from one of the themes in section A and B, which we will work through in lessons. The exam will include a series of questions related to the issue and a longer written piece.

Useful websites:

www.geographypods.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/

https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/geography

 Curriculum Overview 

For a more detailed look at what we aim to cover within the Geography Curriculum this year:

Geography Curriculum