Geography
Department Aims
The geography department seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of the Earth and its people, to be aware of the world around us and through this to increase their tolerance and empathy towards others. This approach helps to prepare students to be active citizens in a changing world.
students are taught using a variety of teaching techniques which allows all to achieve to the best of their ability. These include techniques utilise visual, listening, kinaesthetic and oral skills. In our department every person’s opinion counts and is valued, the student voice is encouraged and listened to.
SAILwork is set regularly and students are expected to complete these on time. A variety of work is set including research, projects, questions and answers and preparation for presentations. students are encouraged to use SAILwork as a way of utilising their individual skills and preferences.
Year 7
Intent
Students join us from a range of primary schools and have different levels of Geographical knowledge. We begin Year 7 with some basic knowledge about the World such as continents, oceans and understanding the UK, before moving onto map skills. In the spring term we apply the knowledge gained to settlements, and address where people live. We finish the year by looking at the environmental impact of tourism, and conduct a fieldwork investigation in Flatford and Dedham.
Implementation
Year 7 Geography is implemented in a range of ways, we try and use the computers we have within the department, group work is key in most of our lessons and we try and demonstrate learning outside of the classroom as much as possible. Student have a number of creative SAIL tasks to complete at home, such as our suitcase activity.
Impact
Year 7 teaches students geographical skills which they will continue to use and develop throughout KS3 and 4, such as atlas, map and fieldwork skills.
Year 7 - Curriculum Overview Map
Key Websites to Support Learning
Please see the attached guide on how you can support Year 7 Geography at home.
Year 8
Intent
Students build on the skills that they developed throughout Year 7 and apply them to these topics of Natural Hazards, Weather and Climate and Ecosystems. Throughout Natural Hazards we look at the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes, creating earthquake survival pack, comparing the effects of a few earthquakes and thinking about mitigating the impacts. Students gain an understanding of the key geographical concepts of social, economic and environmental impacts- something that can be used in a variety of topic areas. In weather and climate and ecosystems students have the ability to conduct a range of fieldwork activities- some in school and some outside- where they can build on the techniques developed in Year 7.
Throughout Year 8 we encourage students to ask questions and think about taking Geography as one of their Pathways choices in year 9.
Implementation
Year 8 Geography is implemented in a range of ways, we try and use the computers we have within the department, group work is key in most of our lessons and we try and demonstrate learning outside of the classroom as much as possible. Student have a number of creative SAIL tasks to complete at home, such as our erupting volcano activity.
Impact
Year 8 teaches students geographical skills which they will continue to use and develop throughout KS3 and 4, such as creating a climate graph, social, economic and environmental impacts and management.
Year 8 Curriculum Overview Map
Key Websites to Support Learning
Please see the attached guide on how you can support Year 8 Geography at home.
Year 9
Intent
Students begin their PATHWAY year with us- before Christmas they have the opportunity to change some of their options but Geography is always popular. The purpose of the first term for Year 9 Geography students is to be introduced to both physical and human geography in more detail. We begin the year with Climate Change, a topic that builds on the ecosystems and weather units studied in Year 8, but develops their analytical skills and makes them aware of the role Geography plays in the world. We then look at Population and the decisions Governments make to ensure their country has a sustainable population. We finish the autumn term by applying these ideas to Music Festivals. We then begin the GCSE course with THEME 2- Changing environments- where we look at the physical geography of coasts, rivers and climate.
Implementation
Year 9 Geography is implemented in a range of ways, we try and use the computers we have within the department, group work is key in most of our lessons and we try and demonstrate learning outside of the classroom as much as possible, we visit Walton on the Naze as part of our GCSE course.
Impact
Year 9 teaches students geographical skills which they will continue to use and develop throughout GCSE.
Year 9 Curriculum Overview Map
Key Websites to Support Learning
Please see the attached guide on how you can support Pathways Geography at home.
Year 10
Intent
Students continue with their GCSE course, building on the skills and exam techniques that they gained in Year 9. We continue with our Theme 2 course before looking at THEME 3- Environmental Challenges. This combines the human and physical geography and builds on units studied previously, we look at Ecosystems, Desertification and Water. We then finish the year by looking at our fieldwork and statistical techniques. We complete a day of fieldwork and follow this up in school.
Implementation
Year 10 Geography is implemented in a range of ways, we try and use the computers we have within the department, group work is key in most of our lessons and we try and demonstrate learning outside of the classroom as much as possible.
Impact
Year 10 teaches students geographical skills which they will continue to use and develop throughout GCSE.
Year 10 Curriculum Overview Map
Key Websites to Support Learning
1. GCSE Geography – Eduqas Specification B: The Core GCSE textbook
Please see the attached guide on how you can support Pathways Geography at home.
Year 11
Intent
Students continue with their GCSE course, building on the skills and exam techniques that they gained in Year 10. We continue with our fieldwork write up and apply our findings to exam questions. We then study our Theme 1 component which is Changing Places, Changing Economies, here we build on all of the skills learnt previously and address the urban issues that face us.
Implementation
Year 11 Geography is implemented in a range of ways, we try and use the computers we have within the department, group work is key in most of our lessons and we try and demonstrate learning outside of the classroom as much as possible.
Impact
Year 11 teaches students geographical skills which they will continue to use and develop throughout GCSE.
Year 11 Curriculum Overview Map
Key Websites to Support Learning
1. GCSE Geography – Eduqas Specification B: The Core GCSE textbook
Please see the attached guide on how you can support Pathways Geography at home.
A Level
Intent
Students learn about the World and how it is impacted by both natural and manmade change. We study a range of human and physical units including; changing urban environments, changing places, global systems and governance, water and carbon, coasts and hazards. We also develop student’s independence, analytical and evaluative skills by completing a 4000 word NEA (Non-examined assessment), and this counts for 20% of their overall grade.
Implementation
A level Geography is implemented in a range of ways, we try and use the computers we have within the department, group work is key in most of our lessons and we try and demonstrate learning outside of the classroom as much as possible. We conduct a number of fieldtrips both locally and further afield, previous destinations have included a Woodbridge Road study, Brick Lane in London, Westfield Shopping Centre, the Olympic Park, a Peak District residential and Southwold.
Impact
A level Geography provides students with a wide range of transferable skills which are idea for the next stage in their journey.
Year 12 Curriculum Overview Map
Year 13 Curriculum Overview Map
Key Websites to Support Learning
Year 12 = Coasts, Water and Carbon (Physical).
Year 12 = Contemporary Urban Environments and Changing Places (Human)
Year 13 = Hazards (Physical)
Year 13 = Global Systems and Global Governance.
Please see the attached guide on how you can support A LEVEL Geography at home.
Further Education and Careers
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Norfolk and Suffolk Coast Forums: Careers in Coastal Management:
The Norfolk and Suffolk Coast Forums, their partners and sponsors would like to invite students and teachers to take part in the Norfolk and Suffolk Coast and Estuaries Conference held annually. These events are free of charge, fully virtual with a specific platform for students as well as a virtual careers fair, setting our opportunities for those considering a career in coastal management. For more information or contact charlotte.flight@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
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We also have ex geography students deliver career talks to our GCSE geography students as part of our schools alumni talk – careers fortnight programme.
Parent\Carer Advice for GCSE
We know that Parents/Guardians may be nervous about supporting Geography GCSE students at home but you can play a vital role in supporting your child to achieve a good grade. We have created the attached guide to working with your child at home with some helpful advice and tips. The video explores these in more detail and shows you how to use the supporting resources.
Please contact us if you need any more information.
Parent Support GCSE Video
Iceland Trip