Geography

Introduction

An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment.

Geography inspires students to think about their world differently. Students think critically. They question. It inspires students to think deeply and develop a curiosity about the world we live in.

Geography broadens horizons. It engages them with their local, but opens their eyes to the global; the wonders and challenges of the world they have not yet been exposed to. It is about developing new experiences of the world, inside and outside of the classroom.

Geography is relevant to them. It questions their citizenship and their role in the world. It exposes them to the idea of sustainable futures. It encourages students to think deeply about the world we want and the ways in which it can be achieved. It is forward thinking.

Whether Geographers continue past KS3 or not, they will all have gained useful and relevant knowledge. They will be equipped with a wide range of important literacy, numeracy, cartographic skills, data analysis and evaluation skills that will make them highly employable in future. As the world becomes more conscious of our impact on the environment, and the 'green revolution' expands, we need young people to have a powerful knowledge and an acute understanding of our world to make informed and compassionate decisions on the future of our planet.

Staff

Mr C McGarry - Head of Department
Mr J Hitchmough - UCAS Co-ordinator
Mr J Halewood - Duke of Edinburgh Leader
Miss S Moss - teacher of Geography

Programme of Study KS3

Geography inspires students to think about their world differently. Students think critically. They question. It inspires students to think deeply and develop a curiosity about the world we live in.

Geography broadens horizons. It engages them with their local, but opens their eyes to the global; the wonders and challenges of the world they have not yet been exposed to. It is about developing new experiences of the world, inside and outside of the classroom.

Geography is relevant to them. It questions their citizenship and their role in the world. It exposes them to the idea of sustainable futures. It encourages students to think deeply about the world we want and the ways in which it can be achieved. It is forward thinking.

Whether Geographers continue past KS3 or not, they will all have gained useful and relevant knowledge. They will be equipped with a wide range of important literacy, numeracy, cartographic skills, data analysis and evaluation skills that will make them highly employable in future. As the world becomes more conscious of our impact on the environment, and the 'green revolution' expands, we need young people to have a powerful knowledge and an acute understanding of our world to make informed and compassionate decisions on the future of our planet.

Programme of Study KS4

Head of Department: Mr C McGarry
Contact email address: mcgarryc@broughtonhall.com
Specification: AQA
Qualification: GCSE Geography

Broughton Hall follows the AQA Specification for Geography (8035). The course is split into 3 components; living with the physical environment, challenges in the human environment and geographical applications.

Living with the Physical Environment

• Section A: The Challenge of Natural Hazards
• Section B: The Living World
• Section C: Physical Landscapes in the UK

The living with the physical environment unit equips students with a detailed understanding of the world. Students explore geographical processes and the resultant landforms. They explore a wide range of environments around the world, from physical landscapes in the UK (rivers and coasts), tropical rainforests, hot deserts to significant tectonic events (both earthquakes and volcanoes). Critically, students examine the importance of these processes by understanding how they impact humans and the ability of humans to manage them.

Challenges in the Human Environment

• Section A: Urban issues and challenges
• Section B: The changing economic world
• Section C: The challenge of resource management

The challenges in the human environment unit helps develop a student's understanding of human processes, systems and outcomes that exist in our world. Students examine a wide range of concepts and consider how they compare in different parts of the world. Students examine places at a range of scales; from local to global which include urban environments as well as places which are at different stages of economic development. In addition to this students study resource management; focusing on issues around food, water, and energy. The concepts studied are contemporary, addressing the key issues of the world right now. Students examine the issues, impacts and the management, providing them with up-to--date knowledge and understanding of real-world issues.

Geographical Applications

• Section A: Issue evaluation
• Section B: Fieldwork

A critical element of the course which helps to equip students with a range of skills which are not only important for success in Geography, but also a variety of careers. Designing an enquiry, data analysis, evaluation and problem solving are key components of this unit and develop these key, transferrable skills within our Geographers. Students are directed to evaluate a key contemporary issue in geography through the study of pre-release material which they can then use in the exam. Students also complete 2 fieldwork enquiries, one in a human context and another in a physical context. Students develop their enquiry skills, selecting appropriate data analysis and presentation skills before making valid conclusions underpinned by geographical theory.

How is the course structured & assessed?

The course is studied over 2 years and is assessed at the end of the course with three exam papers. There is no coursework in GCSE Geography.

At the end of year 10, students will complete their fieldwork enquiries.

What can these qualifications lead to?

As our understanding and appreciation for the world we live in continues to grow, prospects in Geography increase. Many of the significant issues we face around the globe can only truly be addressed when viewing them through a geographical lens. The demand for Geographers who are understanding of the complexities of our world, has never been so high.

Geography is a highly employable qualification, which opens up a wide range of careers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment. The subject supports the development of a wide range of transferable and highly employable skills, such as data analysis, evaluation, decision-making and problem solving. Geography, as a varied and contemporary choice, also complements well with a wide range of subjects as it balances between the sciences and the arts.

Careers which lead from Geography:
www.rgs.org/geography/choose-geography/careers
www.geography.org.uk/Jobs-and-careers-in-geography

Programme of Study KS5