Geography is the study of the world’s physical landscape and how people interact with and influence the world around them. Our world is ever changing and it is through studying geography that students will develop an understanding of the physical and human processes which have shaped its past, present and future. Students will question evidence and differing points of view, and form opinions of their own.

At Key Stage 3 the curriculum has been designed to allow students to build on their prior knowledge and skills, and frequently revisit learning. For example map skills that students are introduced to in Year 7 are utilised throughout future units of work, and links in with students’ spatial and locational knowledge.

Students study a variety of human and physical Geography topics gaining a wealth of knowledge and skills about the world around us; the processes that shape the world; human interactions with each other and the world, and their individual impact upon it. As students progress through the Key Stages, they will build upon this knowledge to form their own opinions and critically think about the viewpoints of others. The skills developed in Geography will equip them for careers in industries such as engineering, town planning, the media and many others that require a breadth of knowledge and skills.

At KS4, Geography is an optional subject. We currently follow the specification of AQA. This course studies geography in a balance of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them. Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

Examinations are via three papers:

Paper 1 – Living with the Physical Environment
This unit is concerned with the dynamic nature of physical processes and systems, and human interaction with them in a variety of places and at a range of scales. It aims to develop an understanding of the tectonic, geomorphological, biological and meteorological processes and features in different environments, and the need for management strategies. Students will also examine sustainability, and consideration of the direct and indirect effects of human interaction with the Earth and the atmosphere.

Paper 2 – Living with the Human Environment
This unit is focussed on human processes, systems and outcomes. They are studied in a variety of places and at a range of scales and include places in various states of development, such as higher income countries (HICs), lower income countries (LICs) and newly emerging economies (NEEs).
The aims of this unit are to develop an understanding of the factors that produce a diverse variety of human environments; the dynamic nature of these environments that change over time and place; the need for sustainable management; and the areas of current and future challenge and opportunity for these environments.

Paper 3 – Geographical Application
This paper includes a critical thinking and problem-solving element, and also enquiry based upon their own external fieldwork.

Year 7

• Map Skills
• Fantastic Places
• Your Geography

Year 8

• Extreme Environments
• Urban Issues
• Natural Hazards

Year 9

• A Divided World
• Our Future World
• Our Blue Planet

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment

• The challenge of natural hazards
• The living world
• Physical landscapes in the UK

Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment

• Urban issues and challenges
• The changing economic world
• The challenge of resource management

Paper 3: Geographical Applications

• Issue evaluation
• Fieldwork