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Y7 Geography Survey
Y7 Geography Survey

Geography Department

The Geography Department aims are:

  • to deliver a broad and exciting curriculum;
  • to provide a sound factual knowledge of the world’s geographical phenomena;
  • to develop understanding of the diversity in the world;
  • to provide the skills and tools of a Geographer and encourage their appropriate and independent use;
  • to provide experience and enjoyment in the field;
  • to investigate a range of places ands across a variety of scales.
Geography is a compulsory subject at KS3 and thereafter becomes an option.

Key Stage Three

The aim here is to provide a broad and exciting foundation for future study. The course is based upon delivering the National Curriculum plus more, equipping our students with the geographical skills to understand better the world we live in. An enquiry approach is adopted based upon use of the 21st Century Geography series of textbooks.

In Year Seven the focus is upon study of the United Kingdom with special reference to map skills. Places, mapwork, climate and weather, hydrology, coasts and economic activities are the main topics covered. Local fieldwork examines the ‘Home Region’ of the school in terms of settlement, economic activity, physical landscape and communications, visiting Worcester, Evesham and Broadway.

In Year Eight the European Union and Japan are the focus. Topics focus on Europe, France, Rivers, Glaciation and Japan. A field day is spent in Stratford-upon-Avon investigating pedestrian flows, the impact of tourism and land use in this Warwickshire town.

In Year Nine the focus is upon the Developing World, with special focus on India and Tectonic Processes. Fieldwork involves an investigation into urban regeneration and the impact of changing transport technology upon the city of Gloucester. The measurement of development, natural environments, tourism and issues in the human environment are also visited.

For G.C.S.E the OCR Syllabus C 1988 (Bristol Project) is the course followed. This is an innovative syllabus based upon an enquiry approach. In its various forms the department has followed this project since 1979 with a great deal of success. Assessment involves 20% Coursework, 30% on a Decision-Making Exercise and 50% on the final examination. Fieldwork is integrated into the coursework element and involves an investigation in Worcester and the locality where the student lives.

The School have twice in the last seven years reached the national finals of the Geographical Association Worldwise Quiz and four times the regional final.

Advanced Level

The OCR Specification B AS(3833) and A2 (7833) are followed. The AS Specification involves units studying Atmospheric Systems, Landform Systems, Coastal systems, Economic Activity, Settlement Dynamics, and Population and Development. In addition, a unit on Geographical Investigation is examined, including a 1,000 word report. At A2 the options of Natural Hazards and Leisure and Tourism are studied. In addition, a 2,500 word Investigative Study is pursued on a geographical topic of the students' own choosing. A synoptic component completes the course, a decision-making exercise on Sustainable Development.

The course involves a residential field course in North Wales, designed as a basis for revision and producing case study material in Physical Geography. Students look at coastal landforms and management along the North Wales coast, as well as fluvial analysis along the Conwy valley and ecosystem organisation and management on Anglesey. A visit to Sheffield is also undertaken, looking at residential and economic environments for use as an in-depth case study. Further fieldwork investigates meander development on the River Teme and local settlement. Students have the opportunity to attend activities organised by the local branch of the Geographical Association, whose lectures are held in the School.