Geography
KS3 Geography Curriculum Content
YEAR 7
Subject |
Module content |
Fantastic Places |
A study of various places around the world that are significant for their geography. This topic includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Dubai, Victoria Falls, Stonehenge, Death Valley and many more. |
GeoSkills |
A unit that brings together student’s prior knowledge of map skills, including grid references, compass directions, map symbols and measuring distance, through exciting weekly quizzes which culminate in a certificate for the highest scoring students. |
Weather & Climate |
A new unit which explores the physical geography behind our weather including depressions and anticyclones as well as how weather impacts our lives. Students also learn to create climate graphs. |
Tectonics |
A study what happens at tectonic plate boundaries before exploring the causes and impacts of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. The unit also looks at how tectonic hazards can be managed. |
YEAR 8
Subject |
Module content |
Population |
A creative unit in which students have a ‘passport’ that builds up with their knowledge about population issues in various countries including China, Russia, USA, Nigeria and Brazil. |
Rivers |
A topic covering the processes and landforms associated with rivers including waterfalls, meanders and ox-bow lakes. Students also look at how rivers can be managed. |
Economic development |
A topic that explores global differences in development and that development goes beyond wealth. There is also a more local focus looking at the changing development of Cornwall. |
Coasts |
A new topic covering the processes and landforms, decision making exercise about sea defences at Pennington Point near Sidmouth, and a marine ecosystem study of coral reefs |
The Geography of the Middle East |
A new topic to reflect the new national curriculum, covering aspects of natural resources, cultural traditions and rapid urbanisation as well as the environmental regions. |
YEAR 9
Subject |
Module content |
Emerging Economies (China and India) |
A unit starting with China, including population distribution and policies and the growth of secondary industries especially the manufacture of Apple products. The India element includes physical geography and the climate of India (monsoon) as well as life in slums focusing on Dharavi. |
Frozen Planet |
Including glaciation, how people survive living in cold environments and the impact of climate change. The unit is based on the BBC Series ‘Frozen Planet’. |
Africa |
Focusing on a continent of contrasts looking an uneven development, use of technology eg mobile phones, life in Kibera and the environmental regions of Africa. |
Our KS3 curriculum is carefully designed to provide the building blocks to the GCSE course. There are four geographical ‘themes’ taught across the two-year GCSE course.
We alter the order of the four topics, depending on the topic which is selected to be examined as part of the SDME. The table below reflects the current 2014-2016 schedule.
We alter the order of the four topics, depending on the topic which is selected to be examined as part of the SDME. The table below reflects the current 2014-2016 schedule.
KS4 Curriculum Content
Assessment |
Content |
Paper 1 - Our Natural World 70 marks 1 hour 15 mins 35% final grade |
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Paper 2 - People & Society 70 marks 1 hours 15 mins 35% final grade |
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Paper 3 - Geographical Exploration 60 marks 1 hours 30 minutes 30% final grade |
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We alternate the teaching of Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics to move between human and physical geography topics. In Year 10, we study, Global Hazards, Urban Futures, Sustaining Ecosystems, Dynamic Development and Changing Climate. In Year 11, we study Distinctive Landscapes, Resource Reliance, UK in the 21st Century. Geographical skills are taught throughout the units, as is preparation for decision making-style questions.
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. There is an optional international trip every year (depending on numbers) to Iceland.
The full GCSE specification and assessment materials can be found at http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-geography-b-geography-for-enquiring-minds-j384-from-2016/
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. There is an optional international trip every year (depending on numbers) to Iceland.
The full GCSE specification and assessment materials can be found at http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-geography-b-geography-for-enquiring-minds-j384-from-2016/
A Level Geography
All students opting for Geography will follow the full A Level course, in line with the college policy. 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
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
Year 12 |
Year 13 |
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