Geography
Geography Curriculum Overview
Our Geography curriculum develops curious, informed and responsible global citizens who understand the physical and human processes that shape our world. Students investigate diverse places, environments and people while developing the geographical knowledge and skills needed to analyse issues, evaluate evidence and propose solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Through the study of both physical and human geography, students gain a deeper understanding of sustainability, development, climate change and global interdependence.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Students build a strong geographical foundation through the study of continents, countries, environments and global issues, while developing key map, data interpretation and enquiry skills.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Map skills and geographical enquiry | North and South America | Africa: development, deserts, water supply and volcanoes |
| Population and settlement | Asia and rapid development | Polar environments and Russia |
| Rivers and drainage basins | Tropical storms and tectonic hazards | Iceland and plate tectonics |
| Weather and climate | Rainforests and global ecosystems | Antarctica and climate change |
| Plate tectonics and natural hazards | Population change and migration | Oceania and South-East Asia |
| The United Kingdom and sustainable communities | Sustainability and environmental management | Megacities, climate change and environmental challenges |
Throughout Key Stage 3, students regularly analyse maps, graphs, photographs and data, developing their ability to interpret evidence, debate issues and communicate geographical arguments effectively.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Students follow the AQA GCSE Geography course, studying a broad range of physical and human geography topics alongside geographical applications and fieldwork.
| Physical Geography | Human Geography | Geographical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Natural hazards | The changing economic world | Fieldwork investigation techniques |
| Climate change | Global development and inequalities | Data collection and analysis |
| Rivers and flood management | Urbanisation and urban challenges | Statistical and graphical skills |
| Coastal landscapes and management | Resource management | Decision-making exercises |
| Ecosystems and biomes | Food, energy and water security | Map interpretation and geographical enquiry |
| Tropical rainforests and cold environments | Sustainable development | Research and evaluation skills |
Assessment
Assessment is embedded throughout the curriculum through:
Retrieval practice and knowledge recall activities
Geographical enquiry tasks
Extended writing and evaluation exercises
End-of-unit assessments
GCSE-style exam questions
Mock examinations
Fieldwork investigations and data analysis activities
Enrichment and Careers
Geography helps students understand the connections between people, places and environments at local, national and global scales. The curriculum promotes awareness of sustainability, climate change, development and resource management while developing analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
These skills support progression into a wide range of careers including environmental management, meteorology, urban planning, surveying, conservation, engineering, international development, cartography, tourism, research, government and the emergency services. Through fieldwork and enquiry-based learning, students gain valuable experience in collecting, interpreting and presenting real-world data.