Geography

What Will I Learn?
KS3: In Year 7, students will investigate what Geography involves as a subject, develop their
enquiry skills, work with maps and develop a wider knowledge through UK examples.
In Years 8 – 9, students currently study topics including: ‘European Union’, ‘Italy’,
‘Development (Kenya)’, ‘Farming’, ‘Environment’, ‘Tourism’, ‘Japan’, ‘Plate Tectonics,
Volcanoes and Earthquakes’, ‘Global Issues’. Students will be taught linked topics at
the same time to allow them to make connections between different areas.
KS4: The specification used is AQA ‘A’ Geography syllabus.
Units presently taught are: ‘Population’, ‘Tectonic Hazards’, ‘Agriculture’, Coastal
Processes and Landforms’, ‘Managing Resources and Tourism’ and ‘River Processes
and Landforms’.
How Will I Be Assessed?
KS3: Assessments include end of topic recall tests, enquiry tasks and other assessed
activities. End of year examinations also take place. National Curriculum levels are
given for key assessed pieces and end of year examinations. Levels are reported
to students and parents/carers annually. Students are kept informed of their current
performance, what their targets are and how to achieve them.
KS4: Each unit ends with a formal assessment of the knowledge and understanding gained
using GCSE exam questions. Along with end of year exam and Mock Examinations,
student and parents/carers are kept informed of current performance. The final exam
consists of 2 papers. In addition, course work representing 25% of the final mark
is completed in Year 10 following fieldwork currently carried out in the coastal area
around Clacton-on-Sea.
Are There Any Learning Opportunities Beyond The Classroom?
Field trips are a great opportunity to learn about Geography away from the classroom. In
Year 7 we will use the school grounds and Bedfords Park. In Year 8 we visit Tilbury Power
Station and Environment Centre. In Year 9 we visit the ‘Earth Galleries’ at the Natural History
Museum. With student and parent/carer support we hope to develop this further in the
future.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment To Study This Subject?
An open mind to investigate a range of viewpoints and cultures.
An enquiring nature about our surroundings.
A well-stocked pencil case (with plenty of coloured pencils).