Geography

Geography at Taverham High School is studied as a single subject. It is a broad based subject which combines a variety of skills from the analytical and observational, working as part of a group presenting information, as well as individually. It aims to allow students to have a better understanding of world interactions as a whole, from local through to international. It will also, importantly, show the applied side of the subject - how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. This is complex and dynamic and varies from place to place depending on people’s resources, technology and culture, and students are taught to think critically, moulding themselves into global citizens as they explore their own place in the world and what responsibilities they have to an ever changing planet.

In Years 7-9 students study a variety of human and physical geography topics. They look at how topics such as tectonic hazards and river landscapes can have a wider impact on those living in areas affected by hazardous events. The aim is to build on pupils’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.

Students learn to use geographic language with accuracy and develop the skills of geographical description and explanation in order to prepare them for further study at GCSE. Students carry out fieldwork tasks in the local area/school grounds and use various GIS/IT programmes to heighten their understanding of space and place.

Students study the following topics:

Year 7
  • maps and geographical skills
  • weather and climate
  • crime
  • Africa: a place study
Year 8
  • ecosystems
  • population and migration
  • the UK: a place study
  • rivers and flooding
  • China: a place study
Year 9
  • tectonic processes
  • health and disease
  • Russia: a place study
  • the UN
  • decision making exercise and project
GCSE Geography
Why study geography?
Geography prepares for the world of work - geographers, with their skills of analysis are highly employable! With climate change currently the world's hottest topic, geography is a hugely relevant subject, combining elements of the social sciences and humanities alongside comprehension of physical landscapes. The study of geography stimulates an interest in, and a sense of wonder about, places. It helps you to make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. Geography inspires you to become a global citizen by exploring your own place in the world, your values and responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.
 
What areas would you study?
Within geography we study a combination of human and physical geography. We look at the ways in which people interact and affect the environment on different scales. Topics range from looking at coastal and fluvial environments (with a focus on the UK), tectonic processes, globalisation and tourism and how a continued population growth has impacts on different environments. Geography links to everything you know about the world. It is the world around you!
 
How do you learn?
Geographical enquiry encourages you to question, investigate and to think critically about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Geography is the study of your surroundings which you are expected to have an awareness of. An interest in current affairs will provide an excellent basis for case studies, improving and expanding on your knowledge. You will learn to use maps, visual images and new technologies to obtain, present and analyse information. Lessons are taught through a mix of text-book work, group/teacher interaction and the use of ICT, both for independent study and research and also to gather up-to-date data via the use of programmes and websites such as Google Earth. You will also undertake fieldwork at different locations to help you understand how theoretical processes work in real life situations.
 
How are you assessed?
100% examination
Paper 1: living with the physical environment (35% of GCSE; 90 minute exam)
Paper 2: challenges in the human environment (35% of GCSE; 90 minute exam)
Paper 3: geographical applications and fieldwork (30% of GCSE; 60 minute exam)
 
Where will this take me post-16?
Geography at GCSE not only allows, but also prepares, students to follow A-level geography at post-16. The skills you use in your geographical studies make you of potential interest to a wide range of employers, and geographers use the skills that they have acquired to work as environmental and transport consultants, surveyors, cartographers and architects. In addition, many geographers move into finance, law, accountancy, marketing or the civil service.
A-Level Geography

Examination Board: AQA

Introduction and Structure

Course summary

The A-level geography course covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world.  It will also, importantly, show the applied side of the subject - how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. This is complex and dynamic and varies from place to place depending on people’s resources, technology and culture.  It combines well with both the arts and sciences subjects and is highly regarded by universities due to the variety of skills needed to progress and develop in the subject.

Component 1: Physical Geography

The study of core geographical concepts along with contrasting themes of contemporary or environmental impact, management and sustainability of the physical environment. Candidates must study section A and then select one of the options from section B and section C.

  • Section A: water and carbon cycles
  • Section B: select one from
    • hot desert environments and their margins
    • coastal systems and landscapes
  • Section C: select one from
    • hazards
    • ecosystems under stress
    • cold environments

Written examination/2 hours 30 minutes/96 marks/40% of A-level

Component 2: Human Geography

The study of current issues and human interaction with their environments. It links contemporary issues and environmental impacts, management and sustainability. Candidates must study section A and section B and choose one from section C.

  • Section A: global systems and global governance
  • Section B: changing places
  • Section C: select one from
    • contemporary urban environments
    • population and the environment
    • resource security

Written examination/2 hours 30 minutes/96 marks/40% of A-level

Component 3: Geographical Investigation

Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.

3000-4000 words/35 marks/20% of A-level. Assessed by teachers and externally moderated.

Careers and Progression

Geography is a broad based subject which combines a variety of skills from the analytical and observational, working as part of a group presenting information, and you will have a better understanding of world interactions as a whole, from local through to international. Careers achieved with geography range from green and urban issues to law and human rights and medicine. Most careers are open to you as the skills developed within the subject are very transferable and respected by employers.

Entrance Requirements

Minimum requirement: 6 GCSEs Grades 9-4 (or equivalent), including English language and mathematics; Grade 5 geography