Geography

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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.

The Geography National Curriculum for KS3

​KS4 Curriculum Content

Assessment	Content
Paper 1 - Our Natural World 70 marks 1 hour 15 mins ​35% final grade	Global Hazards Changing Climate Distinctive Landscapes Sustaining Ecosystems Fieldwork Geographical Skills
Paper 2 - People & Society 70 marks 1 hours 15 mins ​35% final grade	Urban Futures Dynamic Development UK in the 21st Century Resource Reliance Fieldwork Geographical Skills
Paper 3 - Geographical Exploration 60 marks 1 hours 30 minutes ​30% final grade	Geographical Skills Decision Making Exercise

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/
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GCSE Geography

​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

Year 12	Year 13
​Tectonic Processes and Hazards Coastal Landscapes and Change Globalisation Regenerating Places	The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security Superpowers Health, Human Rights and Intervention