Geography
Staff
Mrs L McKinney (Head of Department)
Mrs S Dalzell
Mrs A Lennox
Mrs R Beattie
KS3 Geography
Geography is the study of the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments – both its physical features and its political and cultural characteristics.
Key stage 3 Geography aims to equip students to have a clearer understanding of important world issues. The topics delivered in Years 8, 9 and 10 incorporate:
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patterns on the earth and the processes that created them;
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how places differ from one another;
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the impact of people on the environment;
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the sources and impact of pollution; and
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strategies for environmental protection and restoration.
Geography involves a synthesis of facts, figures, ideas and perspectives to help us understand and protect the world we live in. By studying geography, students learn about important contemporary issues like global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution and flooding.
Unit 1
Understanding our Natural World.
Total weighting 40 %
External written examination: 1 hour 30 min
Theme A
River Environments
Theme B
Coastal Environments
Theme C
Our changing weather and Climate
Theme D
The Restless Earth
Unit 2
Living in Our World. Total weighting 40 %
External written examination:
1 hour 30 min
Theme A
Population and Migration
Theme B
Changing Urban Areas
Theme C
Contrasts in World Development
Theme D
Managing Our Environment
Unit 3
Fieldwork
Total weighting 20 %
External written examination: 1 hour
Students base their answers on their knowledge and experience of fieldwork.
A Level Geography
A Level Geography aims to give individuals an understanding of the physical and human processes which affect people and their environment along with an understanding of the vital issues facing society such as sustainability, economic development, and cultural awareness.
The subject draws together aspects from both sciences and humanities. It develops intellectual abilities in a wide range of areas including data analysis, literacy and statistics.These transferable skills are much sought after by employers.
AS level
AS 1: Physical Geography
Ecosystems, Rivers, Weather and Climate
40% of AS (16% of A level)
AS 2: Human Geography
Population, Settlement and Development
40% of AS (16% of A level)
AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques
Pupils will bring a table of data and a summary of their fieldwork into the exam. This paper involves responding to data.
20% of AS (8% of A level)
A level
A2 1: Physical Processes and Human Interactions
Tectonics and Coasts
24% of A level
A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
Ethnic Diversity and Tourism
24% of A level
A2 3: Decision Making in Human Geography
Pupils will be presented with data in the form of a case study. They will make and justify a geographical decision.
12% of A level
Facilities and Resources
Much use is made of ICT; pupils have a vast array of relevant notes available through Fronter, the school’s computer virtual learning environment. The Department also has access to a range of up-to-date online geographical websites and a number of new texts have been purchased recently which are relevant to the course. Fieldwork opportunities are an integral part of this course and, at AS level, pupils undertake a residential study to Magilligan Field Centre where they study the physical and built environment.
Teaching Methods
A study of Geography provides opportunities for a wide variety of teaching methods including:
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research using the internet based materials including mapping software
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group work
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DVD and newspaper archives
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class discussions and debates
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development of independent learning
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written and geographical sources of information
Assessment Methods
Summative assessment such as trial examinations; formative assessment e.g. mid and end of topic tests, essays, assessed homework, target setting and self-assessment.