Geography - Curriculum Page

In Geography we cover a wide range of topics in Years 7 and 8 to develop a deeper understanding of people, places and the ways in which they interact to make the world we live in.

Our intent for the curriculum is to underline and promote the vitally important role that Geography plays in understanding how the world works in an increasingly globalised society and economy. We aim to inspire curiosity and fascination about the world. Key stage 3 Geography is a springboard not just towards further study at GCSE and A level but also to aid our pupils in their journey to becoming well-rounded adults who can contribute positively in their local and global community. Knowledge, application and skills are at the core of our 21^st century curriculum. We will support the pupils to develop the essential literacy and transferable skills through the curriculum content and how it is taught and delivered.

Our curriculum will both reflect and learn from the needs of the school and community and also help to enhance our pupil’s cultural capital through the extensive range of connected topics and themes it will cover. We aim to equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments and processes. We will also tackle issues which will give the pupils the opportunity to discuss and debate social, moral, cultural and spiritual questions enabling them to be open to learning new skills beyond the class room and develop enquiring minds and understand how the earths features are interconnected and change over time.

Subject Leader: Mrs Winsor

If you have any queries or concerns, please email c-winsor@garthhillcollege.com

YEAR 7, 8 and 9

Content

AT Key Stage 3 we cover a wide range of topics in Years 7, 8 and 9 to develop a deeper understanding of people, places and the ways in which they interact to make the world we live in. Topics include:

Making Connections
Our changing economy
Regeneration and sustainability
River Processes
Impacts of water on the land
Africa
Environmental concerns
Asia
Weather and climate
Natural Hazards
The UK and Globalisation
Russia and cold Environments
Living World
UK physical landscapes Coasts and Rivers

Assessment

Each topic is assessed using a variety of methods from investigations to GCSE style questions. In addition, there is an end of year examination in each year.

Home Learning

Home Learning is set once every 2 weeks.
Home learning will consist of at least one task per fortnight. We recommend that pupils spend at least 40 minutes per task and that they read around the topics at home.

How Parents and Carers Can Support

Encourage your child to ask teachers for help if there are any difficulties
Encourage your child to be observant and take an interest in the world around them. This could include reading local and national newspapers and watching news programmes that frequently include geographical issues
Encourage your child to attend any after school revision sessions
Encourage your child to make use of the College LRC, public libraries and computer resources if they are available at home.

Additional Support Available/Useful Links

Reading List

Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps - Tim Marshall
Everest: The remarkable story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay- Alexandra Stewart
Life: The First Four Billion Years- Martin Jenkins Can we protect people from natural Disasters? (Earth Debates)- Catherine Chambers
Canoeing the Congo: The First Source-to-Sea Descent of the Congo River- Phil Harwood
Horrible Geography- Anita Ganeri
No One is Too Small to Make a Difference- Greta Thunberg
There is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years- Mike Berners-Lee

Key Stage 3 Overview 2023-24

KS3 Overview 2023-2024

Assessment Framework

Geography Assessment Framework - Key Stage 3

Assessment Schedule

Assessment Schedule - Year 7

Assessment Schedule - Year 8

Assessment Schedule - Year 9

Knowledge Organisers

Geography Knowledge Organisers - Year 7

Geography Knowledge Organiser - Year 8

YEAR 10 and 11

Exam Board and syllabus code

AQA Geography (8035)

Content

In Years 9, 10 and 11 the following topics are covered:

Unit 1 Living with the Physical Environment

Challenge of Natural Hazards
The Living World
Physical Landscapes of the UK

Unit 2 Challenges in the Human Environment

Urban Issues and Challenges
Changing Economic Environment
The Challenge of Resource Management

Unit 3 Geographical Applications

Issue evaluation
Fieldwork

Assessment

At the end of Year 11 pupils will be assessed in three examinations:
Units 1 and 2 will each be assessed in a 1½ hour written exam. There will be questions based on each topic covered, each worth 35% of the GCSE.
Unit 3 will be assessed in a 1¼ hour written examination. There will be questions based on pre-released materials for the issue evaluation and questions based on 2 sessions of fieldwork completed by students in Year 10 and Year 11.

Home Learning

Home Learning is set regularly.
Home Learning Club is run every day in the LRC from 3.15-4.30pm Monday to Thursday.
Home learning will consist of at least one task per week. We recommend that pupils spend at least 40 minutes per task and that they read around the topics at home.

How Parents and Carers Can Support

Encourage your child to ask teachers for help if there are any difficulties
Encourage your child to be observant and take an interest in the world around them. This could include reading local and national newspapers and watching news programmes that frequently include geographical issues
Encourage your child to attend any after school revision sessions
Encourage them to make use of the College LRC, public libraries and computer resources if they are available at home

Additional Support Available/Useful Links

Reading List

GCSE 9-1 Geography AQA Revision Guide - Author Tim Bayliss, Author Rebecca Tudor, Series Editor Bob Digby, and Author Catherine Hurst

Assessment Schedule

Assessment Schedule - Year 10

Assessment Schedule - Year 11

Knowledge Organisers

Changing Economic World Nigeria

Natural Hazards

Physical Landscapes in the UK

The Living World

Urban Issues and Challenges London and Rio