Why Learn Geography?

There is more to geography than learning the location of places and reading maps. Much of the subject is about enquiring into how, why and 'what if'. Geography gives pupils an insight into links between people, places and environment. Pupils think about the effect of issues on themselves and others around the world.

The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on pupils' own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global. (National Curriculum Web site)

Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people's lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of this. Pupils learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet. (National Curriculum Website)

The Delivery of Geography

Geography is taught as a discrete subject in Key Stage 3.

In Years 7-9 classes are set according to ability. These sets are created in liaison with other subjects wherever possible (often either English or History and Religious Education).

There is the opportunity for liaison and discussion between subjects at the start of the year and throughout the year between individual teachers, although movement is kept to a minimum.

Students are given 2 hours per week in year 7-8 and 3 hours a fortnight in Year 9.

Geography has evolved a concept led curriculum which has evolved 6 themes- my world, geography at the movies, dangerous world, natural world, around the world and global world- each concept is built on each year until the end of Key Stage 3 where students have the option of continuing to study the subject. Fieldwork is encouraged in school with investigations into microclimates, crime and school safety as well as weathering and erosion studies. Fieldwork also includes trips outside of school to various locations including Old Trafford, the Holderness Coast and Castleton.

Currently at Key Stage 4 students are following the new OCR B GCSE syllabus. The syllabus has four key themes- Rivers & Coasts, Population and Settlement, Natural Hazards and Economic Development. The students are assessed 3 ways- 2 pieces of geographical investigation- one being fieldwork based, a SDME exam which can be taken in one of three exam slots, and the terminal exam paper on 3 out of the 4 themes.

This syllabus allows:

• A balance of theoretical and practical work, encouraging an active involvement in the subject, which aims to enthuse and stimulate interest among the learners which means that more learners will be encouraged to study it.
• An ideal foundation for learners who want to pursue Geography at A Level or as a career, as it covers a wide range of topics to ensure that they become well-rounded geographers, with skills required by the sector.
• An understanding of global geographical issues and how to apply this to a range of contexts. This means learners' real life skills are developed and become relevant to future decision making. It's an excellent start for learners to develop their practical Geography skills which are transferable.
• Learners are prepared with real skills (such as map reading) and the use of new technologies, like GIS, enquiry and analysis through fieldwork and research to assist geographical investigation, which helps motivate them as they can see how their skills fit into the modern world.

Aims

The aims and purposes of geography at Frederick Gough School:

• stimulate pupils' interest in their surroundings and in the variety of human and physical conditions on the earth's surface;
• foster pupils' sense of wonder at the beauty of the world around them;
• help pupils to develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat and thereby enhance pupils' sense of responsibility for the care of the earth and its people;
• investigate a wide range of people, places and environments at different scales around the world;
• study geographical patterns and processes and how political, economic, social and environmental factors affect contemporary geographical issues;
• investigate how places and environments are interdependent;
• carry out geographical enquiry, including identifying geographical questions and developing their own opinions.