Aims
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.
Staff and facilities
The department is staffed by 5 members of staff and occupies 5 rooms. The rooms all have personal computers equipped with network and internet access, multimedia projectors and black out facilities. 4 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 10 day cycle?
- Lower School – 3 lessons (3 hours) with 2 x half an hour of homework
- GCSE – 5 lessons (5 hours) with 3 x 40 minutes of homework
- A Level – 10 lessons (10 hours) with additional individual study
Geography 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. National Parks are also examined. In the Third Year, work involves a study of major global issues followed by a study of the restless earth.
Geography further up the school
GCSE
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.
A Level
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.
Field trips
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 Year, Second Year, Fourth Year and Sixth Form. In addition, further trips are offered on a voluntary basis. Fifth Year and Sixth Form pupils have visited Iceland and USA in recent years, while Third Year and Fourth Year pupils have visited Switzerland and Italy.
Clubs
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 3 Fifth Year pupils at the local round of the GA Worldwise quiz and competes with success.
