Geography explores the relationship between the earth and the people who inhabit it. It studies physical processes and human interactions at a range of scales from local to global.
Big geographical questions are a central part of the students learning:
Geography teaches students to enquire about the world around them and helps them to make sense of the earth and its processes.
Over the course of Key Stage 3 pupil will study:
Pupils will also have opportunity to take part in field visits to develop skills of field work, a core element of the subject. In Year 7 we carry out a Humanities Field visit to Durham and in Year 9 all our students carry out a local area investigation in which they decide upon the best route for a local road race.
At KS4 pupils study AQA B syllabus for Geography GCSE. Students will sit two exams of 1 hour 30 minutes, each worth 37.5% of the full GCSE. Both these exams will be taken in the summer term of Year 11. Controlled Assessment is worth 25% of the grade. Controlled Assessment for 25% of the pupil's final grade. The GCSE course deals with 3 Unit Examinations each of which consists of a one hour final examination.
A BTEC in Travel and Tourism is also offered within the Geography department in years 10 and 11. This vocational course is ideal for anyone wanting to work in the industry but also helps to develop a number of skills which can make students more employable in later life. Typical units of study include ‘Planning a study visit’, ‘Developing customer service skills’ and ‘The nature and effects of worldwide travel’. Students also have the opportunity to gain vital first-hand experience of the travel and tourism industry through our educational visits. We currently run trips to York, Beamish, Whitley Bay and Newcastle.
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