The Importance of Geography

“Geography provokes and answers questions about the natural and human worlds, using different scales of enquiry to view them from different perspectives. It develops knowledge of paces and environments throughout the world, and understanding of maps, and a range of investigative and problem solving skills both inside and outside the classroom. As such, it prepares pupils for adult life and employment. Geography is a focus within the curriculum for understanding and resolving issues about the enviroment and sustainable development. It is also an important link between the natural and social sciences. As students study Geography, they encounter different societies and cultures. This helps them realise how nations rely on each other. It can inspire them to think about their own place in the world, their values and their rights and responsibilities to other people and the environment”

The School Curriculum and the National Curriculum: values, aims and purposes
1999, DfES/QCA

Our overall goal is to give students a better understanding of, and a lasting interest in, the world around us. It is also to encourage students to develop a strong responsibility for their own actions: towards themselves, other individuals and their environment. Geography develops students’ sense of place and belonging and allows them to develop their analytical and questioning skills. The department team of specialist geography teachers use a range of learning and teaching styles to engage and motivate students to consider the challenges that they face in the world today and in the future. Sustainable management strategies are explored and assessed. Students are given opportunities to use the latest technologies including Geographical Positioning and Information Systems; virtual fieldwork sites and data logging equipment.

Key Stage Three: Years 7, 8 and 9

Students keep individual portfolios of key assessment work produced across the Key Stage which allows students to track their individual progress and set targets and learning goals. Topics taught are as follows:

Year	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
7	What is Geography?	What is changing our coastline?	How does weather and climate affect us?
8	How do rivers change our landscape?	Is Cambridge a sustainable City? What is Europe?	What are ecosystems and issues of world concern?
9	What are tectonic hazards?	Why is development a global issue?	What’s geographical about sport and fashion?

Students follow the Edexcel  Syllabus B course which covers a variety of physical, human and environmental topics from units on the Dynamic Planet. People and Planet, Making Geographical decisions and Researching Geography.

During the course, students will investigate places and specific events, they will develop their IT skills and map skills as well as learning to work independently as part of a team. Students are assessed by three exams and an internally controlled coursework assignment that is based on data collected on a fieldwork. Examination assessment will take place in both year 10 and 11.

Sixth form students work on the Edexcel B AS and A2 courses. In the AS course students will study elements of physical, human and environmental geography. There are a variety of ways including independent and collaborative research assignments; group and individual presentations; assignments; seminar style sessions.

The AS course is made up of two units. Unit 1 deals with Global challenges including globalisation, hazard management, population growth and migration. Unit 2, Geographical Investigations looks at issues surrounding Crowded Coasts and Rebranding Places. This unit is closely linked to fieldwork research.

The A2 course includes two further units. Unit 3, Contested Planet, focusses on the use and management of resources. Unit 4, Geographical Research provides students with the opportunity to conduct research on an individual topic.

The department offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities. At present these include:

• Fieldwork visits to The Norfolk Broads, Doreset Coast, South Wales and The Lake District
• Local fieldwork in and around Cambridge
• An expedition to Iceland for Sixth formers
• Gifted and Talented visit to the London Olympic Site and Thames Barrier
• Attendance at The Geographical Association annual lecture programme, hosted by The University of Cambridge
• Host visiting university academics whom run lectures and workshops for Geography GCSE and Sixth Form students
• The Geography department team run the highly successful and popular Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Gold Award schemes.