Highlights of our KS3 curriculum
Some of the highlights our students will experience in Geography in Year 7 to 9 are:
In Year 7, our students begin with an introduction to Geography by building knowledge of globes, maps and atlases, whilst developing analytical skills through the interpretation of resources, such as photographs and Ordnance Survey maps. We begin to understand and explain the differences between human and physical geography and the ways in which they interact with one another, with all topics providing ample opportunity to discover and discuss the relationship between physical and human processes. Our second unit focuses on glaciers and how they have shaped the landscape of the UK, providing a sound understanding of physical geography which will be consolidated and developed in our later units on Rivers and Coasts. It is important for our Year 7s to understand the significance of globalisation and so our third unit focuses on the interconnectedness of global cultures and economies, deepening students’ awareness of the world in which they live, before ending the year with a locational study of Africa and Kenya. This in-depth study provides students with the opportunity to explore the second biggest continent through a confident application of the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the year.
In Year 8, we begin our study of Population through the development of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) skills by collecting, mapping, and analysing local data. Students then build on their knowledge of Newcastle’s suburbs through a closer look at the city’s processes of urbanisation, suburbanisation, and counter-urbanisation, which complements the students’ study of industrialisation in both History and English. Year 8 then develop their fieldwork skills with an investigation of the Ouseburn area, analysing its regeneration whilst consolidating knowledge of rivers from Year 7. We then study different types of weather experienced in the UK and across the globe; students will be able to confidently explain weather patterns, as well as making predictions about future climate concerns. In the final term, students will consolidate prior learning through an investigation of Asia and China – this locational study will provide greater insight into leading economies, cultures, and landscapes.
In Year 9, our students consider the different types and uses of rock and how they have shaped the world in which we live, building on previous study from KS3 Science to enable students to consolidate their learning. Throughout our KS3 curriculum, students will have developed a critical understanding of the relationship between human and physical geography; in Year 9, students will be able to confidently demonstrate the depth of their understanding through the study of two units: human dependence on the Earth’s natural resources and economic activity across the globe. Next, students will consider ‘Hazardous Earth’ and the risks posed to humanity through exploring the causes and consequences of natural disasters. In the summer term, a locational study of the Middle East and Russia develops previous knowledge and skills, whilst introducing students to areas of growing importance and influence in the modern world- this unit even involves a case-study of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the economy of NUFC!
Highlights of our KS4 curriculum
Some of the highlights our students will experience in the Geography GCSE AQA course are:
In Year 10, students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the UK, higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). A wide range of geographical skills, such as cartographic, graphical, numerical and statistical, will be developed, alongside students’ extended writing.
In Year 11, students will learn how human and physical processes bring about change and interact at different scales. They will study the UK and the wider world through geomorphic processes and landscapes; weather and climate; global ecosystems and biodiversity; resources and their management; and global economic development. Students will use geographical skills (such as the collection, mapping, and analysis of data) to produce and understand geographical resources (such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and maps).
Fieldwork is an important aspect of Geography and students will undertake two geographical enquiries, each of which must include the use of primary data, collected as part of a fieldwork exercise. Assessment will consist of a series of questions related to a contemporary geographical issue, leading to a more extended piece of writing which will involve an evaluative judgement.
Extracurricular opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to enter various competitions from the Royal Geography Society, such as the ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ and the Geographical Association ‘Physical Geography Student Photo Competition’. We also ask students to consider local geographical issues by developing their critical voice on the treatment of the world in which they live. Students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on contentious environmental issues in the 7UP debate club, such as the controversial felling of Sycamore Gap. Students will also be encouraged to send letters on topical matters (such as the climate crisis) to their local MP/identified persons of interest in order to deepen their understanding of citizenship and the power of their voice.
Where can Geography take me in the future?
The skills and knowledge you gain from studying geography at GCSE, A Level or university, are relevant to almost all jobs and workplaces. You will find geographers working in a wide range of professions, from legal analysts to city planning, environmentalists to travel and tourism, or in international charities and retail. Studying geography can help young people achieve careers that are professionally and financially rewarding and also enjoyable. No matter what direction you choose within the subject, you will gain a wide range of very employable and transferrable skills and attributes. These include: subject knowledge that is highly relevant to many of the challenges facing society and the environment today; specialist and transferable skills including statistical, spatial and environmental analysis alongside other quantitative and qualitative skills; strong analytical and research skills, critical analysis, ability to judge evidence and work across the social and natural sciences; an ability to collect, understand and interpret complex data and communicate it to a variety of audiences; problem-solving at a variety of scales and from different perspectives; the experience of working in a team, including through field research; an interest in how the world works, contemporary issues and other cultures. A scholar of Geography demonstrates an awareness and appreciation of global citizenship, preparing students for a successful career in the modern world.