Geography
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.”
MICHAEL PALIN
Intent
The Geography Department aims to provide students with an understanding of the world around them, its environments, places near and far and the processes that create and affect them. The array of physical and human topics and concepts we study at both KS3 and KS4 allow students to help them develop many transferrable skills which will help them both in High School and beyond. Geography is a subject that looks to make sense of the world and its people, places and environments through the study of human and physical interactions. The topics we study have been chosen to adhere to the National Curriculum for Geography. This allows the pupils at Stanley High School to have a broad and balanced curriculum, which also encompass many cross curricular links.
We believe that students will succeed through hard work, a positive attitude and an open mind. We build upon, and help students apply skills that can be used in other subjects including Science, Mathematics, History, English and Technology.
Implementation
KS3
Students have three hours of geography per fortnight. The new Key Stage 3 syllabus has been developed to include a range of engaging and varied enquiry-based topics, including Russia, Africa, the Middle East, Tectonic Processes and Weather. Where relevant, links are made between our content and current affairs. The key concepts which underpin our curriculum are those of physical and human processes, the interactions between people and the natural world, change, sustainability and personal responsibility. The subject requires a wide-ranging vocabulary, and we encourage students to use and develop this whenever possible.
KS4
All GCSE Geography lessons are taught by a specialist and students have five hours of Geography a fortnight. Both members of staff are experienced teachers with specialisms in Physical and Environmental Geography. We follow the AQA GCSE course, and students sit 3 exams at the end of Y11:
- Paper 1: Natural Hazards, the Living World, UK Physical Landscapes. (1 hr 30 min; 35%)
- Paper 2: Urban Issues and Challenges, The Development Gap, Resource Management (1 hr 30 min; 35%)
- Paper 3: Geographical Applications (1 hr 30 min; 30%)
Our schemes of work have been carefully developed to fully ensure consistent delivery across the department. Key terms are discussed at the start of lessons and referenced in other relevant areas, making synoptic links between them. KS4 work booklets also have a glossary with all key terms and definitions for each topic.
Micro-adaptations in lessons from teachers ensure all children can access the lesson, no matter what their ability, which is compliant to adhering to the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014. Each teacher provides necessary SEND support within lesson time.
Outcomes
Geography provides pupils with excellent general knowledge and an understanding of the world, and a sense of needing to understand what has happened in the past to help so we can begin to think about how our future may be affected. Pupils enjoy Geography and the passion of our staff does drive pupils to engage and enjoy their lessons. It is with this attitude, the subject itself lends itself to enhance their thirst for learning.
Suggested post-16 pathways and possible careers
There are a variety of options for students who want to study Geography further, after leaving High School.
Apprenticeships Available in:
- Air Traffic Controller
- Countryside Ranger
- Environmental Health Practitioner
- Geospatial Survey Technician
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Landscape Technician
- Sustainability Business Specialist
- Surveying Survey Technician
- Town Planning Assistant
- Train Driver
Further Education
Level 1, 2 & 3 courses available in:
- A Level – Geography
- A Level – Geology
- A Level – Environmental Science
- T Level – Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
- T Level – Management and Administration
- T Level – Agriculture, Land Management and Production
- BTEC – Environmental Science
- BTEC – Applied Science
- BTEC – Construction and Quantity Surveying
Higher Education
- BSc (Hons) in Geography
- BSc (Hons) in Geoscience and Geography
- BSc (Hons) in Economics and Geography
- BA (Hons) in Geography and Tourism
- BA (Hons) in Geography and Management
- BA (Hons) in Geography and Planning
- BSc (Hons) in Human Geography
- BA (Hons) in Archaeology and Geography
There are many careers that are linked to the range of skills and knowledge that can be developed through the study of Geography. E.g. Town planner, Transport planner, Geologist, Sustainability consultant, Meteorologist, GIS office, International aid/development worker, Diplomatic service officer, Ecologist, Emergency Planner. Environmental Education Officer, Teacher, Climatologist.