Geography

Geography is a dynamic subject that will open your eyes to a variety of controversial and current topics. There are numerous opportunities for team work, we are looking to enhance creativity and encourage inquisitive thinking. The subject encompasses a variety of skills such as numeracy, use of graphical skills, developing the ability to analyse data and literacy, all skills highly valued by any employer. Ultimately our aim is to promote a sense of awe and wonder about the world in which we live.

Geography is all around us and always will be. Whether you are interested in climbing Everest, becoming the next Polar explorer like Ernest Shackleton, or you may even be inspired by the modern day survivalists such as Bear Grylls and Steve Backshall that delight in their world and its unique qualities.

Do you want to know how geography helps you survive? If you have always thought that we live in an unfair world where poverty and exploitation dominates the disadvantaged or even a passion for making the word a better place, then this subject is for you. At KS3, we attempt to provide you with an awareness and appreciation of how life’s uniqueness evolves and faces challenges with the modern day world.

In Year 7, topics include:

• Map skills
• Who do you think you are?
• Almighty Asia
• Poles Apart – Explores Antarctica and the Arctic
• Overlooked Oceania – Visits cultures, traditions and various locations in Oceania
• Exciting Ecology – links to this are a local geography field visit to Fairburn Ings
• Survival of the fittest, this explores how geography can help save our lives and survive
• You’re Nicked! This theme looks at crime and investigates the local area, exploring national, controversial issues.

In Year 8 topics include:

• Who wants to be a billionaire?
• Who wants to live forever?
• On the Move, Amazing Africa
• Powerful and dangerous – This explores controversial topics disease, space travel and refers to why out planet is so powerful.
• Wild Weather!
• Changing China
• Power and Poverty – globalisation,
• Adventurous Places – A World at your doorstep. For this we offer a trip to visit Malham Cove.
• Tourism with a Twist! This explores the delights and dangers of tourism.

AQA GCSE Georaphy Syllabus (A)

Students will follow the AQA syllabus, which is a new course with a modern approach, closely linked to the 21st century. Geography is one of the EBacc option subjects at GCSE. The specification includes three main units:

Unit 1 – Living with the physical environment, this refers to natural hazards, the living world and a variety of physical landscapes in the UK.

Unit 2 – The human environment, this covers urban issues and challenges, the changing economic world and challenge of resource management.

Unit 3 – Geographical applications: Section A looks at issue evaluation, section B Fieldwork.

To enhance unit 3, there is a planned Year 10 visit to the Lake District. Students will visit and experience first-hand, key natural features, including glacial features, thundering waterfalls and experience stunning walks. During the trip students will have the opportunity to develop their fieldwork study techniques and address the skills relevant for unit 3 of the exam. There will also be an opportunity for some outdoor pursuits and challenges to help develop team work skills.

Keep in touch
Subject Lead for Geography is Mr Sladen who can be contacted by email at d.sladen@bhs.hlt.academy