SUBJECT OVERVIEW
The aim of the Geography curriculum is to develop a strong foundational knowledge and foster a natural curiosity of geography to ensure students understand the features and processes that shape the modern world. The curriculum aims for students to be inquisitive about current and past global changes that will impact on their daily lives. Through studying Geography, students will explore the different regions of the world and develop a wide range of geographical skills which help them understand key changes in different places worldwide and their own role in modern society.
KEY STAGE 3
In Key Stake 3 students learn the key features and processes that shape the world in which they live. This is done through the study of a wide variety of units where students are taught key knowledge to ensure they are able to understand the complex and varied world which surrounds them.
In Year 7, students study “The Restless Planet” where they investigate how plate tectonics have changed the shape of the natural world since the earth began. Next, the students investigate “Mumbai Challenges” where they learn about the key processes which shape modern cities in developing countries such as global population growth and rapid migration to major world cities. Next, Year 7 students explore “The Shape of the UK” where students learn the key processes which shape our rivers and coastline. Finally, students “World Ecosystems” where they learn about where and why we find major ecosystems around the world and how their characteristics vary.
In Year 8 students take their knowledge further starting with a unit on “Glaciated Landscapes”. Here they apply their knowledge of natural processes and climate change to investigate how upland areas of the UK have been shaped over time. Next, students look at “Why are countries rich and poor?” where they develop their knowledge of developing countries by exploring the causes and impacts of varied economic development around the world; with a specific focus on East Africa. Next students investigate “Impossible Places” where they develop their knowledge or ecosystems by exploring desert regions around the world, particularly in the Middle East, including their climate and how their harsh environment creates challenges for those living in them. Finally, students study “A Plastic World” where they apply their knowledge or world population growth and how people impact on different regions round the world to current world issues.
In Year 9 students begin by exploring “World Resources”. In this unit students apply their knowledge of the world’s climate and population to investigating how the amount of available resources changes worldwide and how it is influenced by climate change. Next, students focus on “Our Changing City” where they will explore the processes that have shaped Liverpool over time and conduct their own fieldwork to measure the impact these changes have on peoples’ lives within the city. Next, students focus on “Living with Natural Hazards” where they apply their knowledge of weather, climate, natural hazards, population growth and development to see how natural hazards have varied impact in different regions around the world. Finally, students in Year 9 end their Key Stage 3 course by investigating “Global Issues”. Here they have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of Geography and the world to recent events and debate the impact this has on different regions and cultures over time.
KEY STAGE 4
In Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA Geography Specification.
Within this students will use their knowledge from Key Stage 3 to explore a wide range of case studies in the physical and human world and the issues faced in varied regions around the world.
Paper 1: Living in the Physical Environment
In this paper students explore the changing landscapes around the world and the processes taking place within them. Within this paper students study:
- The challenges of natural hazards
- The living world
- Physical landscapes in the UK
Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment
In this paper students investigate the human processes that shape modern societies around the world through a range of case studies from the UK and developing. Within this paper students study:
- Urban issues and challenges
- The changing economic world
- The challenge of resource management
Paper 3: Geographical Applications
For this paper students apply their range of geographical skills they have picked up throughout studying geography since the start of Year 7. Students study an issue evaluation based on an in depth case study as well as conduct their own fieldwork to practice and develop their geographical enquiry skills.