Geography

Studying Geography

Geography aims to stimulate pupils' interest in their surroundings, providing a curriculum which prompts them to relate to the environment at all levels: their local area, the rest of the United Kingdom, the European Union and the wider world. A broad range of skills is developed alongside a concern for environmental issues and a sense of responsibility for the earth. The syllabus encourages an enquiring approach to learning, whereby pupils involve themselves in investigative work and pose their own questions. The department has an established fieldwork tradition, with trips venturing as far afield as Iceland, USA and Kenya. The department is equipped with five dedicated classrooms which are well resourced.

Geography in First Year

Currently we begin by focussing on map work and other basic geographical skills which will prove vital throughout each pupil’s Geography career. Early in the first term, all pupils visit the Peak District as part of their induction course and the department has played an active role in this. Here they apply their map work and learn basic fieldwork skills, honing their ability to observe and record, based upon an examination of land use. In the First Year pupils are also introduced to tourism as a growth industry and a study of the Tropical Rain Forest ecosystem.

Geography in Second Year

The course at present begins with a study of Weather and Climate where the pupils are introduced to key elements of the weather and climate in relation to the U.K. They also consider elements of 'wild weather' including tropical storms and flooding. Settlement is then studied in both a U.K. and global context. Finally, National Parks are examined allowing an insight into glaciated and limestone scenery, tourism and the rural economy. Work is reinforced by a full day visit to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Geography in Third Year

Third Year pupils initially study a number of major global issues including population growth, global warming, inequalities in wealth, energy issues and urbanisation. They deal with topical matters and explore the sustainable or non-sustainable nature of development. The nature of the restless earth is then considered and attention focuses upon the causes of volcanoes and earthquakes along with the human response to them. Pupils also study the formation of the earth’s major landforms. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes are studied at the conclusion of the year.

Clubs and Activities

A Level Geographers are encouraged to join the local branch of the Geographical Association and regularly attend lectures at Manchester University. The school is also successfully represented by a team at the local round of the GA Worldwise Quiz.