Geography is a core subject in Key Stages 3, and an option at key stage 4. The department consists of two full time teachers. The department is well resourced and will occupy a suite of classrooms in the Humanities block. Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard.
The Geography department wish to provide all students with valuable insights into the physical and human features around the world, including the importance of understanding the interactions between the two environments.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7, 8 and 9 the students are taught in form classes.
The Department uses a range of resources, embraces new technology and encourages the use of online homework. Students receive three hours teaching time per fortnight. Formal assessment takes place every half term, with detailed feedback and progress discussions following each assessment that allows students to understand how to progress over the year in relation their targets.
Key Stage 4
At GCSE, geography has 5 periods per fortnight and is taught in mixed ability classes.
All students follow the AQA ‘A’ GCSE course at one of the two tiers, Foundation or Higher. Students will study 6 topics (3 physical and 3 human) plus their controlled assessment, which is based on a fieldtrip in the summer term of yr10. Unit 2 (human geography) will be taken at the end of yr10 in May 2012.
Other Activities
The geography department is heavily involved in the provision of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, which is generally offered to key stage 4 students. A series of optional fieldtrips (UK and abroad) are also planned for the coming academic year.
Web Sites of interest
www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography
www.usgs.gov (Earthquake and volcano website, US government scientists).
