Geography
Back“The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” Barack ObamA
“Geography as a subject has no borders, it is engaging with everyone and everything around us” Year 10 student
In the geography department, we aim to ensure that all students develop a passion for geography and become inspired in their learning. We want all students to achieve not only academic success, but become socially adept at making a positive contribution to society through raising their own awareness of their role within the global system.
Geography is the bridge between curriculum areas, challenging different perspectives of the world around us. Geography is a robust rational framework in which to explore dynamic global events; allowing us to experience the awe and wonder of the natural world and to develop an appreciation of our ever changing world. Our curriculum is strategically planned to develop a range and breadth of skills, as well as knowledge, that will promote and enhance progress and attainment both at KS3 and GCSE. From key Stage 2 we build upon the themes of location and place, physical and human geography, fieldwork and map skills. Our curriculum is differentiated with pathways to support our lower ability students as well as stretch and challenge tasks for our higher ability students. This allows all our learners to succeed and reflects Nunnery Woods vision of ‘aspire, strive, achieve’ Our geography curriculum provides an environment in which all students thrive on challenging and interesting opportunities and experiences, whilst developing a deep life-long passion for geography.
Through a wide ranging, contemporary curriculum reflecting the school’s dynamic intake, students acquire a range of essential skills necessary to understand the world around them but also to develop their sense of place and responsibility as global stewards. Extra-curricular opportunities to further enhance knowledge and understanding are an integral part of the geography department with field work opportunities to Birmingham, Stratford-Upon-Avon, The Natural History Museum, London and a local river study. Overseas visits are also part of our enrichment programme with visits to Sorrento, Italy. Within the department we also offer a geographical Information Systems club where students learn how to use digital maps to display data and decision making skills.
The structure of our curriculum allows young people to achieve not only academic success, but will equip them to thrive in their future education, training or career, in addition to making a positive contribution to society. Geography is a seen as a facilitating subject for post 18 progression to University as well as for higher degree apprenticeships and opens the door to numerous and varied employment opportunities. These opportunities include working in the growing quaternary sector of research eg: renewable energies and geosciences as well as employment with multinational organisations, leading the way in sustainability. The geography department strives to ensure that students become engaged members of both their own and global community. The department will provide a platform for this through the provision of rigorous, challenging and inspiring teaching and learning opportunities. The department challenges students to become independent learners asking pertinent questions while being empathetic, evaluative and creative. The leadership and teaching within the geography department is an example of excellence, inspiration and of dynamic teaching and learning that will both engage and motivate students enabling them to make rapid progress.
Staffing Structure
Curriculum Leader: Mrs H Scoby
Email: h.scoby@nunnerywood.worcs.sch.uk
Phone: 01905 363628
Team Structure
Curriculum Leader
Assistant Curriculum Leader
4 Geography Teachers
Curriculum Facilities
The department comprises of four specialist rooms, all of which are equipped with interactive white boards and projectors; they facilitate the use of the latest multi – media learning technologies. The department is very well stocked with a range of current resources and texts in addition to geological samples to enhance learning opportunities.
KS3
KS3 Description of the key skills, knowledge and understanding that are a prime focus of KS3 teaching in the subject area
Throughout Key Stage Three, students will develop their geographical knowledge and skills to enable them to understand the world in which we live and how people and place interact to shape the present and future environment. Students are taught to engage in and debate contemporary issues. They will develop the skills necessary to become an effective geographer and effectively apply these skills on a local, national and global scale. Students will learn to formulate their own conclusions and present them in a variety of mediums. During Key Stage Three students develop transferable skills and become equipped to tackle GCSE geography.
Organisation of the KS3 curriculum and how students are assessed (brief summary of long term plan of units and very approximate timings.
The Key Stage Three Curriculum course is a balance of physical and human geography, allowing students to develop their own strengths in applying the core principles of geography; people and place.
Year 7 Introduction to Geography including Map Skills, Oceans, Settlement, Population and Brazil and a place study of Africa: A continent of contrasts.
Year 8 the Tropical Rainforest biome and ecotourism, Natural Hazards and Tectonics, a place study of India and Rivers and Flooding.
Year 9 A place study of China and geographical skills
tudents who opt for GCSE geography will begin this course in Year 9.Those who do not will continue to study geography, including weather hazards.
Sources of information that may be useful
www.bbc.co.uk/geography
www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/ks3
www.educationquizzes.com/ks3/geography
www.sporcle.com/games/category/geography
www.bbc.co.uk/news
KS4 - GCSE Geography A Edexcel 9-1 Code 1GA0
KS4 Description of the key skills, knowledge and understanding that are a prime focus of KS3 teaching in the subject area
The GCSE geography course provides students with an opportunity to study a qualification that is engaging, significant and relevant to the world today. It allows students to explore the ever changing world we live in, study the challenges facing the planet and consider their own place within it. Throughout the course, students will develop the transferable skills that are essential to future study and employment. Geography enables students to become globally and environmentally informed and thoughtful, enquiring citizens.
Organisation of the KS4 curriculum (brief summary of long term plan of units and very approximate timings)
Students will study three components: The Physical Environment, the Human Environment and Geographical Investigations including field work and UK Challenges and will be assessed through three examinations taken at the end of Year 11.
The Physical Environment – The changing landscapes of the UK including coasts and rivers, Weather hazards and climate change, Ecosystems, biodiversity and management.
Take a fascinating journey through the changing landscape of the UK and learn how coasts and rivers have shaped our landscape. Examine the role that weather plays in our lives and study the immense power of weather hazards and the challenges facing the planet as a result of climate change. Immerse yourself in different ecosystems and how we are stewards managing the environment. Throughout this unit you will look at case studies and use contemporary materials to enhance your learning.
The Human Environment – Changing cities including the growth of Mega Cities, Global development and Resource management.
Examine the growth of cities and global development on the world. Spend time looking at the impacts of rapid growth and how it is paving the way for a new global system. Study the effects of one of the greatest challenges facing our planet in the future; water scarcity and how we can manage it.
Geographical investigations – Fieldwork and UK challenges
You will participate in two fieldwork visits. One in a physical environment and one in an urban/rural setting. Fieldwork is engaging and a central component of the course where you will learn transferable skills. Geography will be ‘brought to life in the field’ by using a variety of geographical skills. These skills will enable you to apply your skills to a variety of scenarios.
Assessment
All exams are taken at the end of Year 11. There are 3 exam papers.
Unit 1 37.5% The Physical Environment
Unit 2 37.5% The Human Environment
Unit 3 25% Geographical Investigations and UK Challenges
Sources of information that may be useful
Sources of information that may be useful
www.edexcel.org
Additional useful web links
www.bitesize.co.uk/geography
www.revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/geography
www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography
www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE
www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/gcse/
www.revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/geography/
