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 everchanging 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 A level students study AQA Geography and have twelve lessons a cycle in years 12 and 13. Twenty percent of A level geography is awarded to an independent investigation which will be started in year 12 and submitted in year 13.

  • Global Systems and Global Governance
  • Changing Places
  • Glacial Systems and Landscapes

Year 13

  • Water and Carbon Cycles
  • Hazards
  • Contemporary Urban Environments

The course is examined in two exams, a physical paper and a human paper and an independent investigation.

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.

We have a vast library of geographical videos, OS Maps, atlas’ and textbooks for use within lessons. To allow pupils and students to participate fully in fieldwork opportunities we have all equipment necessary to complete river studies, climate investigations and geological studies.

TRIPS AND VISITS

Our fieldwork trips bring the processes we have studied within the classroom to life. Every year group conducts an investigation where all pupils and students collect, analyse, present and interpret the data collected in the field.

In A level study, Geographers visit the Isle of Arran in Scotland where they will collect data for their independent investigations. In 2021 students planted 101 trees on Glen Rosa as part of a large scale habitat revival project.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

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

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

Uganda Good Samaritan Primary School, Kampala

Mrs. Albiston leads a project to raise funds for the Good Samaritan Primary School via The Erasmus Uganda Charitable Trust. Sixth Form students have the opportunity to travel to Uganda to implement positive change in the Primary School, an experience that is win-win for all involved. The project runs every other year due to a large amount of fundraising required, all students are set a personal target to raise £250 each. This is in addition to group fundraising projects like swimming the length of the English Channel in our swimming pool, Afternoon Tea and a Fashion Show. As a school, we have raised over £30,000 since the project began in 2010. Every penny raised by the group goes to the project.

For more information contact:

Mrs. JE Albiston

Subject Lead, Geography