Geography

AIMS

Geography is everywhere and we want to bring this to life. We aim to inspire all pupils and students at QEGS to develop an enquiring mind into the world around them. The topics we cover encourage pupils and students to think not just globally or nationally but allow them to recognise the importance of processes locally too. Geography has a key role in ensuring all pupils and students become informed global citizens who have the confidence and skills necessary to question and understand the diverse world around them. Geography is taught by experienced, enthusiastic, and passionate subject specialists, it allows pupils and students to understand, describe and explain the ever changing landscape of the modern world. We look at how physical systems have an impact on human systems and vice versa. We will ask the big questions and try to answer them.

CURRICULUM

At KS3 geography is a compulsory subject, four lessons per cycle in Years 7 and 8

In year 7 and 8 pupils develop their contextual world knowledge of locations, places and geographical features by exploring the conditions, processes and interactions that create various landscapes. Pupils also have the opportunity to develop their competence in geographical enquiry and application of skills in an investigation on tourism in Morecambe and explore evidence of how landscapes have changed over time in Malham. Pupils will also challenge global stereotypes and explore contemporary geographical issues throughout their studies.

At GCSE pupils must study Geography or History. We follow AQA Geography is taught in five lessons per cycle in Years 9, 10, and 11.

Year 9 pupils study urban issues and challenges and physical landscapes in the UK, in Year 10 The challenge of natural hazards, the living world and the challenge of resource management. In Year 11 pupils study the changing economic world and study geographical issues.

The course is examined in three exams, a physical paper, human paper and an issue evaluation paper where fieldwork skills will also be assessed.

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

All geography rooms are equipped with overhead projectors and students have the opportunity to complete investigations within one of the many computer suites across the school. At KS4 and KS5 pupils and students have digital access to a relevant textbook to accompany their studies.

As a department, we subscribe to Geography Review, GeoFactsheet, GeoScience and are members of the Geographical Association.

TRIPS AND VISITS

Our fieldwork trips bring the processes we have studied within the classroom to life. Pupils in all key stages conduct investigations where all pupils and students collect, analyse, present and interpret the data collected in the field.

In Year 7 all pupils will investigate how Morecambe, Lancashire has changed over time as part of their changing places unit.

In Year 8 all pupils will investigate how landscapes have changed in Malham. Pupils will also conduct sustainability investigations and a microclimate study of the surrounding area.

At GCSE pupils conduct investigations into coastal management along the Fylde coast and regeneration in Liverpool.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Various extra-curricular opportunities exist at QEGS for budding Geographers.

Geography clinics are an important activity for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils who are given a timetable of topics that will be covered to give an extra boost for exam skills and problem topics.

We also have run trips to Iceland and plan to go even further afield in the coming years.

For more information contact:

Mrs. JE Albiston

Subject Lead, Geography