The Geography Department seeks to induce the sense of awe and wonder about the ever-changing world. The subject specialist teachers in the department are dedicated to enabling each pupil to achieve their very best using an appropriate range teaching methods of content and skills. There are facilities for research in the College Library and the IT Rooms. Learning outside the classroom is delivered through varied local, national and international trips, including but not limited to trips to Epping Forest, St. Albans, Suffolk, Surrey and Iceland. Students thrive in the department and external examination results indicate a high degree of achievement. Geography is taught to all students at Key Stage 3. The subject is a popular choice at GCSE and A-Level and routinely students go on to geography degrees at the Russell group of universities, including Cambridge University.
Programme of study
The Key Stage 3
Broadly, we follow the National Curriculum. Geography is taught in whole class groups of a maximum of 20 girls.
Year 7: The Geography of the UK, Maps and Mapping, River Processes and Management
Year 8: Population, Urbanisation, Regional Geography of Asia, Weather and Climate and Climate Change
Year 9: International Development, Regional Geography of Africa, The Middle East, and Natural Resources
Year 10-11 Examination Board: AQA
Students follow the AQA GCSE Geography course:
· Paper 1 Living with the Physical Environment
· Paper 2 Challenges in the Human Environment
· Paper 3 Geographical Applications
Year 12-13 Examination Board: AQA
Emphasis is on human interaction with the physical environment. The topics covered in the specification dovetail particularly well with Economics (human) and Biology (physical). Research and independent learning and presentations in class are among some of the essential tools used in teaching and learning.
Three components are covered:
• Human geography: Global systems and global governance, changing places, Population and the environment or Contemporary Urban Environments
• Physical: Water and carbon cycles, Coastal systems and landscapes, Hazards
• Geography Fieldwork Investigation (NEA)