Geography is a subject that will inspire a lifelong interest and curiosity about our world. Geography equips students with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Our curriculum has been carefully sequenced to ensure that concepts are revisited overtime with students broadening and deepening their understanding as they progress across the years.
We have identified, in geography, a set of ‘threads’ which are at the heart of the subject – relating to knowledge, understanding and skills. Our lessons, resources and assessments relate to these threads, enabling teachers to clearly identify ‘where students are at’ as well as strengths and weaknesses. This also allows us to prepare students for the challenges of KS4 geography.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
We study the following topics:
- Geography – the road to brilliance
- Weather and climate
- OS Maps and Graphs
- Geography of crime
- People, people everywhere
- Africa and Kenya
Students undertake 3 summative assessments which help to inform data entries. Bespoke follow up tasks address areas of weakness.
Year 8
We study the following topics:
- Extreme environments
- Geography of sport
- Development Gap
- Asia and China
- Rock and roll
- Rivers and glaciers
Students undertake 3 summative assessments which help to inform data entries. Bespoke follow up tasks address areas of weakness.
Year 9
We study the following topics:
- The Restless Earth
- The rise of the megacity
- The truth about climate change
- Off to the seaside
- Tourism – heaven or hell?
- The Earth’s resources
Students undertake 3 summative assessments which help to inform data entries. Bespoke follow up tasks address areas of weakness.
Key Stage 4
GCSE
We now start GCSE geography in year 9 to enable students to acquire a suitably deep understanding of key concepts and further enhance skills which have been developed over KS3. We feel this gives students the best opportunity of achieving their potential.
The course consists of three units:
Unit 1
In this unit we study the challenge of natural hazards, UK physical landscapes and the living world. The exam is worth 35% of the final grade.
Unit 2
In this unit we study the urban issues and challenges, the changing economic world and resource management. The exam is worth 35% of the final grade.
Unit 3
Students complete fieldwork based on a local river and tourism in Tynemouth. They also receive ‘pre-release’ material on a topical geographical issue which we thoroughly explore. The exam asks questions on both of these elements and is worth 30% of the final grade.
To find out more please get in touch with the Head of Georgraphy, John Graham on John.Graham@northgosforth.co.uk