Geography
STAFF
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Mrs A Lennox (Head of Department)
Mrs K Gibson
Miss C Harper
Mr D McCrory
Mr S Maclaine
Mrs R Beattie
DEPARTMENT OUTLINE
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Geography at Omagh Academy offers pupils a dynamic and enriching learning experience that reflects the breadth and ever evolving nature of the subject. Our department blends the strengths of traditional geographical study with contemporary ideas, technologies, and real-world examples drawn from our constantly changing planet. Through this approach, pupils develop a strong knowledge base alongside valuable investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
JUNIOR GEOGRAPHY
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At Key Stage 3, pupils build a solid foundation in the key strands of Geography: Physical, Human, and Environmental Geography. They develop essential skills in fieldwork, atlas and map interpretation, basic geology, and digital geographical tools such as Google Earth and ArcGIS, helping them to understand the world both locally and globally.
KEY STAGE 4: GCSE (CCEA)
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At GCSE, Geography remains topical and relevant, exploring issues that shape our everyday lives. Pupils study Our Natural World - including weather, rivers, coasts, and tectonics - and Living in Our World, which examines population change, urban growth, global development, and environmental management. This specification encourages pupils to think critically, investigate geographical challenges, and consider sustainable futures.
Unit 1: Understanding our Natural World Total weighting 40 %
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Theme A: River Environments (25%)
The drainage basin as an open system; River processes, features and sustainable management or rivers.
Theme B: Coastal Environments (25%)
Coastal processes, features and sustainable management of coasts.
Theme C: Our Changing Weather and Climate (25%)
Elements of weather and climate; Causes & consequences of climate change.
Theme D: The Restless Earth (25%)
Basic rock types; Plate tectonics; Earthquakes & volcanoes.
Unit 2: Living in Our World Total weighting 40 %
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Theme A: Population and Migration (25%)
Population growth; Change & structure. Causes & impacts of migration.
Theme B: Changing Urban Areas (25%)
Urban land use; Issues in inner city MEDCs; Urbanisation in LEDCs & MEDCs.
Theme C: Contrasts in World Development (25%)
The development gap; Unequal development; Globalisation.
Theme D: Managing Our Environment (25%)
Human impact on the environment; Strategies to manage our resources; Sustainable tourism.
Unit 3: Fieldwork Total weighting 20 %
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External written examination. Unit 3 focuses on fieldwork, requiring students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in Units 1 and 2 to a geographical investigation. They plan, collect, process and present data, then analyse and evaluate their findings as part of the assessment.
KEY STAGE 5: A Level (CCEA)
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At A Level, students deepen their understanding of both physical and human processes through a wide range of stimulating topics. These include Fluvial Environments, Global Biomes, Weather and Climate, Population and Settlement, and Global Development. Pupils also develop advanced research and fieldwork skills, preparing them for further study and careers in geography, environmental science, planning, and beyond.
YEAR 13
AS 1: Physical Geography
(40% of AS and 16% of A Level)
Students investigate fluvial environments, local and global ecosystems, and the processes that shape weather and climate.
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AS 2: Human Geography
(40% of AS and 16% of A Level
Students investigate population, settlement and development and how different human systems and relationships across our world change over space and through time.
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AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques in Geography
(20% of AS and 8% of A level)
Students become actively involved in first-hand collecting of geographical data through fieldwork. Students identify geographical questions and issues, select appropriate sources and methods and establish effective approaches to inquiry in their geographical studies.
YEAR 14 (Students choose two options from the four available)
A2 1: Physical Processes, Landforms and Management (24% of A level)
Option A: Plate Tectonics
Option B: Tropical Ecosystems
Option C: Dynamic Coastal Environments
Option D: Climate Change: Past and Present
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A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
(24% of A level)
Option A: Cultural Geography
Option B: Planning for Sustainable Settlements
Option C: Ethnic Diversity
Option D: Tourism
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A2 3: Decision Making in Geography
(12% of A Level)
This unit enables students to develop decision-making skills in a real-world scenario. They identify and analyse appropriate material, examine conflicting values and make and justify recommendations.
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FIELDWORK AND SKILLS
At Omagh Academy, we view fieldwork as a vital and inspiring part of Geography, helping pupils develop curiosity and a deeper connection with the world around them. ICT is embedded in our teaching, providing structure, support and enrichment across all lessons. Pupils also benefit from opportunities to carry out both Physical and Human Geography fieldwork studies, bringing classroom learning to life.
CAREERS
Geography is a dynamic subject that leads to a wide range of careers—from engineering, geology and architecture to environmental management, renewable energy, GIS, meteorology and emergency planning.
Geography graduates are valued across many sectors, including education, law, business and government, and work with major employers such as AXA, NISRA, Deloitte, Accenture, Ipsos Mori and PwC.