Geography
Geography is concerned with the study of places, the human and physical processes that shape them and the people who live in them. It helps students to make sense of their surroundings and the wider world. The Geography Department aims to build an extraordinary learning community that goes beyond the curriculum. We endeavour to foster a spirit of enquiry and continual improvement whilst drawing upon the rich variety of experience and views of both staff and students to support teaching and learning. In doing so we aim to nurture links with other schools and departments, locally, nationally and globally.
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For students, we seek to engender knowledge and understanding of the planet Earth and its people, creating a lasting awareness of the world around us. We encourage sensitivity and empathy towards all others through tolerance and independent thinking, so as to prepare our students for an active citizen’s role in a changing world.
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Curriculum Overview – Key Stage 3
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At KS3 we work on 6 modules per year with one module per half term. The following will be studied.
Year 7
At Year 7 students will study the following units of study: Maps & Mapping, Brazil, Migration, Energy, Population and UK Geography.
Year 8
At Year 8 students will study the following units of study: Food Miles, Coasts, Extreme Weather, City Living, China and Natural Hazards.
Year 9
At Year 7 students will study the following units of study: Olympic Regeneration, India, Water, Hot & Cold Environments, Globalisation and Geographical Skills.
GCSE Courses
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Studying geography gives you the opportunity to travel the world via the classroom, learning about both the physical and human environment. You’ll understand how geography impacts your life every day and discover the key opportunities and challenges facing the world.
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Over the two year GCSE course you will cover lots of interesting topics. Living with the physical environment will allow you to discover more about the challenge of natural hazards and the living world, physical landscapes of the United Kingdom and human interaction with them. This unit develops an understanding of the tectonic, geomorphological, biological and meteorological processes and features in different environments. It provides you with the knowledge about the need for management strategies governed by sustainability and consideration of the direct and indirect effects of human interaction with the Earth and the atmosphere. Challenges in the human environment is concerned with human processes, systems and outcomes and how these change both spatially and temporally. You will develop an understanding of the factors that produce a diverse variety of human environments; the dynamic nature of these environments that change over time and place; the need for sustainable management; and the areas of current and future challenge and opportunity for these environments.
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How will I be assessed? You’ll have three written exams. Papers 1 and 2 are 1 hour 30 minutes long and together, they contribute to 70% of your final mark. Paper 3 is 1 hour 15 minutes and contributes to the final 30% of your GCSE grade.
Homework / Independent Learning
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The Geography department follows the school homework policy and will set tasks accordingly. These tasks will be available on the SMHW web portal. Tasks will vary from researching so as to increase understanding, revision, to prepare for both short recall tests and end of unit exams as well as engaging extended projects across all year groups.
Extra-curricular and Enrichment Opportunities
Working With local Charities
Geography Club
Fair Trade activities
RGS Lectures
Met Office Visits
University visits
Useful Links
www.brauntongeography.weebly.com
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