We aim to:

Develop an awareness and appreciation of the role of Geography in the modern world. This involves a knowledge and understanding of a range of places at a variety of scales. It also includes an understanding of the processes operating in the human and physical environment.

What staff and facilities are available to the department?

The department is staffed by five members of staff and occupies five rooms. The rooms all have personal computers equipped with network and internet access, multi media projectors and black out facilities. Four of the rooms also have interactive whiteboards. The department has an established fieldwork tradition and is well equipped.

How much time will I spend on this subject per ten day cycle?

• Lower School: 3 lessons (3 hours) with 2 x ½ hour homework slots
• GCSE: 5 lessons (5 hours) with 3 x 40 minute homework slots
• A Level: 10 lessons (10 hours) with at least 3 hours of homework

What is Geography like in the Lower School?

Geography aims to stimulate pupils’ interest in their surroundings. The curriculum is designed to encourage pupils to relate to their local area and then, more broadly, towards the rest of the United Kingdom, the European Union and the wider world. A broad range of skills will be developed as well as an understanding of sustainable development, stewardship of the environment and citizenship. In the First Year topics include map skills, and tourism, and a study of the rainforest ecosystem. In the Second Year weather and climate are studied along with settlement. The changing coastline is also examined. In the Third Year, work involves a study of major global issues followed by a study of the restless earth.

What happens further up the school?

At GCSE the course develops a wide range of skills and involves key ideas on population, tourism and world development. The physical environment includes the study of the restless earth, coastal scenery as well as rivers and hydrology.

At A Level a broad distinction is made between physical and human Geography and these components are taught by specialists in their field. At all times, however, the interaction between the physical and human environment is explored.

What field trips are organised?

We endeavour to take pupils out of the classroom as often as possible to experience Geography in the field. Our main fieldwork takes place in First, Second, Fourth and Sixth Years. In addition, further trips are offered on a voluntary basis. Sixth Formers have visited Iceland and Kenya in recent years whilst Third and Fourth Years have visited Switzerland and Italy.

Are there any clubs I can join?

A Level Geographers are encouraged to join the local branch of the Geographical Association and regularly attend lectures at Manchester University. The school is invariably represented by a team of three Fifth Years at the local round of the GA Worldwide Quiz and competes with success.