Head of Geography:   Mr. N. Bray

Geography is a relevant subject as it covers real issues and topical events
e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes, new housing developments and the relocation of football stadia.Geography helps us to make greater sense of the world in which we live.
The enquiry based approach used in Geography challenges pupils and encourages the development of thinking skills. Pupils interact with their environment  via fieldwork.

Key Stage 3

The following key skills and topics are covered:

Year 7

An introduction to what Geography is about: maps, plans and use of an atlas.  Settlement: sites, changing land use, housing and shopping developments. An investigationof the geographical aspects of sport. An examination of world development and inequalities. A study of  Kenya.

Year 8

Weather and climate. Rainforest ecosystems. Issues involved in the development of the rainforest. A study of Brazil. An examination ot Europe and  Italy. The geography of crime.

Year 9

Weathering and erosion. Plate tectonics  Earthquakes and volcanoes. Environmental issues- endangered species, acid rain, global warming, resource use, Antarctica. Tourism: national parks. A study of the USA. 

Key Stage 4  GCSE GEOGRAPHY

The course follows the OCR Geography B syllabus. The department attempts
to provide each student with a challenging range of experiences through
which they can gain a deeper understanding of their world and the role
they play in it.

There are 4 key themes: 

1. Rivers and Coasts

2. Population and settlement

3. Natural Hazards

4. Economic Development

Assessment

Geographical Enquiry : Controlled Assessment

This is completed in year 11. It involves:-

1. Fieldwork focus. 15% of final grade. The topic changes each year .

2. Issue Investigation. 10 % of final grade. The topic changes each year

Exams

There are two papers.

Paper 1 : Sustainable Decision Making Exam : one hour. This is taken in January of Year 11 and is 25% of the final grade. The paper is based on one topic from one of the themes which changes each year. It is based on a resource booklet issued 3 weeks before the exam.

Paper 2: Key Geographical Themes: one and a half hours. This is taken in June of year 11 and is 50% of the final grade. It examines the 3 themes not examined by the SDME.

Useful Links

 Geography BBC Bitesize:     http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/

Geography learning on the internet:     http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/

OCR B website:    http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse/hss/geog_b/index.html

S cool revision topics:    http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography