Geography

Staff: Ms J Brown, Mr A Clayton, Mrs J Lees, Mr R Shakespeare

Key Stage 3

In Year 7, students are encouraged to ask questions: What is Geography all about? Where is the UK and what do we associate with the UK? What and where are the most important landscape features and cities in the UK. Using these questions students study settlement, microclimate and rivers. The use of OS maps is incorporated into the schemes of work.

In Year 8, students study the Geography of Italy as an example of how a country changes over time and space. Environmental geography and sustainability are studied leading to an investigation entitled "How Sustainable is Davison's Use of Resources". This is followed by an investigation on the geography of Sport. At the end of Year 8 students undertake a local field study decision making exercise on whether Worthing Seafront needs a makeover.

In Year 9, students undertake a research based project on the tropical rainforest where they are given freedom to investigate their own areas of interest in a country of their choice. As a contrast they look at a comparison of the geography of Antarctica. Students study development issues next. They analyse data, interpret graphical information and make informed decisions. They develop independent learning skills that are applied to investigate the contrasts in quality of life across the world. Exposure to material inequalities promotes empathy and raises moral and ethical questions. Students develop discussion and questioning skills and regularly assess their level of understanding and progress. Later in the term, Geographers study the processes that lead to earthquake events and volcanic eruptions. They map tectonic activity and study the impact of a shifting earth on the richest and poorest nations.

Key Stage 4

OCR Geography GCSE Specification B

In this Geography course candidates study people, places and themes, through an issues based enquiry approach. The specification content is presented in the form of questions for enquiry linked to themes and sub-themes, which cover all the content areas central to modern geography, with an emphasis on decision making and problem solving. This makes it relevant, stimulating and interesting. It offers many opportunities to develop ICT and all aspects of the six Key Skills.

Geography B covers four themes of Geography:

Rivers and coasts
Population and settlement
Natural hazards
Economic development

The course has a balance of theoretical and practical work, encouraging an active involvement in the subject. It aims to enthuse and stimulate interest among the learners and provides an ideal foundation for learners who want to pursue Geography at A Level or as a career. It gives students an understanding of global geographical issues and how to apply them to a range of contexts. Learners are prepared with real skills, such as, map reading and the use of new technologies, like GIS, enquiry and analysis through fieldwork and research to assist geographical investigation.

Further Information

OCR Geography Syllabus B

Geography National Curriculum Online