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Geography


What is the overall aim of what we are learning in Geography?

The aim of studying geography is to become a critical thinker who understands the current problems facing the world, and possible ways to solve these problems on a local, national and global scale. Students will be able to understand what processes have determined the current state of the physical geography of the world, what processes have determined the current state of the human geography of the world, and how the two are intricately interwoven to produce the world we currently live in.

What are students learning in Year 7 & 8?

In year 7, students will be introduced to the key skills required as a geographer, such as reading an Ordnance Survey map or using a grid reference. Students will also explore many of the key concepts which recur throughout the course of Geography, such as globalisation and urbanisation. In year 8, students will explore in more depth some of the physical processes and human processes which have shaped the world.

Why are they learning these things?

Understanding the key processes of the world will help students to understand the world around them, and link the ideas of natural processes with how humans have caused change, including damage, to the planet.

Year 7 - Scheme of Learning Overview
7.1 World Geography and Map Skills
7.2 Settlements and Urbanisation
7.3 Ecosystems
7.4 Exploring Britain
7.5 The Development Gap
7.6 Asia
Year 8 - Scheme of Learning Overview
8.1   Tectonics
8.2 Coasts and Rivers
8.3 Weather and Climate
8.4 Resources, Energy and Sustainability
8.5 Our Warming Planet
8.6 Africa



What are the students learning in Year 9, 10 & 11?

Students are exposed to the more complex and scientific side of the physical and human processes of which have shaped the world. Students will tackle complex and multifaceted questions and have to use their knowledge and understanding to come to their own conclusions about these ideas. Students will also be looking at a variety of case studies which exemplify the theoretical theories studied in class.

Why are they learning these things?

Students are studying these topics and concepts in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the world. Students are forced to analyse and assess many sides of a topic, some of which do not have a clear right or wrong answer. By doing this, students are able to see the bigger picture and how intricately interlaced both physical and human geography are.

Year 9 - Scheme of Learning Overview
9.1 Rocks and Coasts
9.2 Weather and Hazards
9.3 Changing Cities 
9.4 Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management
9.5 Physical Fieldwork
Year 10 - Scheme of Learning Overview
10.1 Global Development
10.2 Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management
10.3 Weather Hazards and Climate change
10.4 Resource Management
Year 11 - Scheme of Learning Overview
11.1   UK Challenges
11.2 Physical Investigations
11.3 Human Investigations



How can I find out more about what students are learning?

Schemes of Learning Over the course of this academic year, we will be sharing links to our schemes of learning. You can click on these links to see more about what your child is studying.
GCSE Exam Board See the exam board specification below for a full outline of how the course is structured.
 
GCSE Specification Pearson Edexcel Specification  A   Geography A (9–1)            
Subject Contact The name and email address of the subject leader can be found below. Please feel free to contact them if you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the curriculum students are following.
Subject Leader & email Ms N Williams               nwilliams@northolthigh.org.uk