Geography

Geography Intent
Our ambitious and inclusive curriculum enables students to have a deep locational knowledge of the world, from continents, countries, cities, smaller settlements and oceans. Students learn in a sequenced way how we are connected to the physical environment that we live in, and how our actions bring about changes to human and physical processes over time. Students reflect on the importance of physical processes to persist to enable humans to also survive. We are always looking to incorporate the very latest geographical events into our curriculum.

Themes of sustainability and climate change are regularly revisited due to their importance in our world today. Through fieldwork students collect a range of data to present, analyse and conclude their findings. Students build on a range of geographic skills which include maps, graphs, numerical skills and the structure of written responses to questions.

Okehampton geographers develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of our planet.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Geo Skills: Students learn about the importance of location through a series of maps, starting broad and zooming in to learn O.S map skills. School based fieldwork.
Changing Population: Can 10 million people sustainably live on our planet?
Tectonic Hazards: What are the causes, impacts of tectonic hazards and how are they managed?
Coasts: Students learn about the processes that shape the coast, and how humans make decision on managing these processes.
Powerful Places: How does a countries physical geography link to its potential power? We look at 6 different regions from Russia to the Middle East.
Glaciation: How does ice shape the land?

Year 8
1.Weather Hazards: What causes our weather, how can it become hazardous and how can we manage these hazards? This includes some school-based fieldwork.
2.Human Development: How and why does quality of life vary in different countries? How can life be improved?
3.Living World: What are the characteristics of the planet’s major ecosystems and how should humans use each one sustainably?
4.Rivers: What are the main processes, challenges and management opportunities for rivers? School based fieldwork.
5.Urban Changes: How have cities grown and how can they grow in a way that is sustainable?

Year 9
1.Superpowers: How is globalisation making some countries more powerful than others? What makes a country powerful and how is its power used?
2.Earths Extremes: Can human activities continue in the earths extremes in a sustainable way?
3.Life in Africa: What is the physical and human geography of Africa? What shaped its past and how is life changing due to factors such as climate change?
4.Life in the UK: What is the human and physical geography of the UK and what challenges and opportunities facing our country including food, energy and water provision, and social issues like migration and housing. Local fieldwork.

Key Stage 4: GCSE (Year 10 & 11)

We are proudly one of the most popular subjects taken by students at GCSE. Students study the OCR B Geography specification.

In September 2024 we aligned our curriculum at GCSE with the schools in our Trust; Tavistock College and Holsworthy Community College.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Content

There is a requirement for this course to conduct two fieldwork experiences – human and physical geography. To enable all students to access these trips, they are local and we ask for a voluntary contribution. We use Dawlish Warren and Exeter.

Students are encouraged to purchase a CGP OCR B Geography revision guide to aid their independent and class revision. These are ordered through the college.

The Geography department use a Twitter account to engage A level and geography students in current world events Okehampton Geography (@OkehamptonGeog) / Twitter

The full GCSE specification and assessment materials by clicking on the link below
GCSE - Geography B (Geography for Enquiring Minds) (9-1) - J384 - OCR

Key Stage 5: A-Level Geography (Years 12 & 13)

We follow the new Edexcel course.
The full specification and course materials can be found at http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html

Paper 1: Dynamic Landscapes and Physical Systems and Sustainability
2 hours 15 minutes (105 marks): 30% of the qualification
Section A: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
Section B: Coastal Landscapes and Change
Section C: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity and The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Paper 2: Dynamic Places and Human Systems and Geopolitics
2 hours 15 minutes (105 marks): 30% of the qualification
Section A: Globalisation and Superpowers
Section B: Regenerating Places
Section C: Health, Human Rights and Intervention

Paper 3: Synoptic Investigation
2 hours 15 minutes (70 marks): 20% of the qualification
All sections are synoptic. Based on linked geographical topics and players, attitudes and actions as well as futures and uncertainties. There will be a resource booklet about a geographical issue.

Paper 4: Individual Investigation
70 marks: 20% of the qualification
Research-based, including fieldwork
3000-4000 word report in appropriate sections

Students will be taught by two teachers and are expected to complete 1 hour of independent study outside of the classroom for every hour spent in the classroom.
A level students have the opportunity to take part in trips which have included:

Coursework data collection preparation to Seaton, Plymouth and Bude.
Plymouth University Geohazards conference & revision workshops.
Plans for a Hinkley point trip.
An optional overseas trip to Italy to look at tectonic processes and hazards, which is due to run every 2 years.

The Geography department use a Twitter account to engage A level and geography students in current world events linked to the learning in class. Okehampton Geography (@OkehamptonGeog) / Twitter