Geography
"Geography is an earthly subject, but a heavenly science."
The Geography curriculum has been designed to promote an enjoyable and in depth understanding of the local area, UK and wider world to ensure that pupils understand the impact of human actions on a range of environments, societies and economies. Pupils explore key geographical concepts with topics that are relevant to the lives of young people and their futures.
We have a varied approach to assessment ensuring that pupils are tested on all geographical skills; including cartography, numeracy, source analysis and extended writing.
Fieldwork enriches learning and provides an opportunity to think like a Geographer. As such, fieldwork is an integral part of our curriculum and has been carefully planned into all years, allowing pupils to collect primary and secondary data in order to analyse and evaluate via the enquiry process. During Key Stage 4 pupils studying Geography visit Cleveleys to investigate the effectiveness of groynes in helping to protect the beach from erosion and Salford Quays to survey the impacts of urban regeneration.
Pupils in Key Stage 4 have the opportunity to study BTEC Travel and Tourism. This is a lecture style course that has its roots in independent learning. It allows pupils to acquire knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by exploring the aims of different travel and tourism organisations, the features of tourist destinations, how organisations meet customer requirements, and the influences on global travel and tourism.
How is the curriculum delivered?
Pupils in Key Stage 3 have three lessons every fortnight,
Pupils in Key Stage 4 have six lessons every fortnight.
All pupils are assessed approximately every 6 lessons with bespoke written feedback to help them progress through the curriculum.
Pupils in Year 7&8 complete end of Year examinations.
Pupils in Year 9 complete trust wide end of year examinations.
Pupils in Key Stage 4 sit mock GCSE examinations.
Pupils in Key Stage 4 have the opportunity to attend lunch time and after school revision sessions.
Qualifications offered
- GCSE Geography
- BTEC Travel & Tourism
Wider learning opportunities
Pupils in Year 11 have the opportunity to attend a weekly after school or lunch time re-teach and revision club.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 have access to a weekly lunch time Eco-club.
Links to careers pathways throughout the curriculum
Having a good grade in GCSE Geography will support pupils in finding suitable apprenticeships and courses in further education, leading to improved career prospects. GCSE Geography can take you to:
- T Level courses in Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Education and Childcare, Agriculture, Land Management and Production
- A Level courses in Geography, Geology and Environmental Science
- Apprenticeships and careers as a Geoscientist, Conservationist, Landscaper, Urban Planner, Transport Planner, Cartographer, Meteorologist, Rural Surveyor, Ecologist, Transport Planner and Mineral Surveyor.
BTEC Travel and Tourism offers a more direct route into careers within the travel and tourism industry, such as:
- Airline Customer Service Agent, Pilot, Cabin Crew, Hotel Manager, Museum Attendant, Resort Representative, Tour Manager, Travel Agent, Visitor Attraction Manager
The links below explain what knowledge, understanding and skills pupils learn about in each subject, as well as how they are assessed.