Geography
Vision:
The Geography Team at Okehampton develop curious, independent and driven citizens of the world. Our geographers are nurtured to question right from wrong, are encouraged to have inquisitive minds and are given the skills to succeed in a multitude of disciplines in the future. We actively challenge and encourage our students to decipher fact from fiction, fake news from real news and how their own actions, and those of others, contribute to the world around them - at a local, national and global scale. Okehampton geographers are inspired to want to make the world a better place.
Geography is a unique subject that investigates the human and physical worlds and crucially teaches the links between them. It is one of only a few subjects that takes a future- looking stance, we strive to keep it relevant and engaging; equipping our geographers with a powerful set of knowledge, skills and the vocabulary needed for an ever-increasing abundance of geographical careers.
The Geography Team at Okehampton develop curious, independent and driven citizens of the world. Our geographers are nurtured to question right from wrong, are encouraged to have inquisitive minds and are given the skills to succeed in a multitude of disciplines in the future. We actively challenge and encourage our students to decipher fact from fiction, fake news from real news and how their own actions, and those of others, contribute to the world around them - at a local, national and global scale. Okehampton geographers are inspired to want to make the world a better place.
Geography is a unique subject that investigates the human and physical worlds and crucially teaches the links between them. It is one of only a few subjects that takes a future- looking stance, we strive to keep it relevant and engaging; equipping our geographers with a powerful set of knowledge, skills and the vocabulary needed for an ever-increasing abundance of geographical careers.
Resources and Routes:
Geography is taught by four subject specialists who use their expertise to develop bespoke Schemes of Learning for our students. We are proud that our SoL and subsequent lessons are developed by our teachers and very rarely rely on textbooks for delivery. Although our curriculum is set across the key stages, each teacher has the freedom to adapt the lessons so that pupils benefit from their unique pedagogical skills and experience. Our lessons are structured around a single ‘big question’, such as ‘Why is Jakarta sinking?’ using dual-coding practises and with set classroom routines including ‘Do Now’ tasks, thresholding and questioning to reduce cognitive load on students.
In Key Stage 3 students receive 1 hour of geography per week in a spiral curriculum, that sets them up with a sound knowledge base for GCSE. Our very popular GCSE course follows the OCR B syllabus and is taught across 2.5 hours per week. We currently have 6 classes of GCSE students in both Year 10 and Year 11. At A level we offer two options: Geography and Sociology. In 2021 it is likely we will have two classes of each of these subjects.
Geography is taught by four subject specialists who use their expertise to develop bespoke Schemes of Learning for our students. We are proud that our SoL and subsequent lessons are developed by our teachers and very rarely rely on textbooks for delivery. Although our curriculum is set across the key stages, each teacher has the freedom to adapt the lessons so that pupils benefit from their unique pedagogical skills and experience. Our lessons are structured around a single ‘big question’, such as ‘Why is Jakarta sinking?’ using dual-coding practises and with set classroom routines including ‘Do Now’ tasks, thresholding and questioning to reduce cognitive load on students.
In Key Stage 3 students receive 1 hour of geography per week in a spiral curriculum, that sets them up with a sound knowledge base for GCSE. Our very popular GCSE course follows the OCR B syllabus and is taught across 2.5 hours per week. We currently have 6 classes of GCSE students in both Year 10 and Year 11. At A level we offer two options: Geography and Sociology. In 2021 it is likely we will have two classes of each of these subjects.
Fieldtrips:
Geography is a subject that should be taught ‘in the field’. We strongly feel that all students should be offered opportunities to widen their horizons and are working to develop additional trips to those we currently offer:
Geography is a subject that should be taught ‘in the field’. We strongly feel that all students should be offered opportunities to widen their horizons and are working to develop additional trips to those we currently offer:
- Year 8- Eden Project, Cornwall - Rainforest Workshops
- Year 10 – Plymouth City Centre - City Centre Regeneration
- Year 11 – Dawlish Warren – Coastal Management
- Key stage 4 & 5- Iceland residential
Assessment:
In Key Stage 3, students are assessed at the end of each unit, typically four times per year. The assessments take the form of multiple-choice questions alongside some longer exam-style questions. Feedback is highly valued within the Humanities Faculty. Following each assessment, results will be given with a dedicated lesson providing in-depth feedback so that students can reflect, improve their knowledge, skills and confidence in completing assessments. Results of these assessments are sent home to parents/guardians three times per year.
In Key Stage 4, students complete end of unit assessments typically four times per year. These are normally sections of past papers or are teacher-written assessment based on the exam. GCSE students will also sit two ‘mocks’ per year, which are larger papers and are designed to give students the experience of sitting a full paper. Like in Key Stage 3, our feedback lessons are of high importance with regard to student progress, and students are encouraged to annotate their papers and set targets for improvement.
In Key Stage 3, students are assessed at the end of each unit, typically four times per year. The assessments take the form of multiple-choice questions alongside some longer exam-style questions. Feedback is highly valued within the Humanities Faculty. Following each assessment, results will be given with a dedicated lesson providing in-depth feedback so that students can reflect, improve their knowledge, skills and confidence in completing assessments. Results of these assessments are sent home to parents/guardians three times per year.
In Key Stage 4, students complete end of unit assessments typically four times per year. These are normally sections of past papers or are teacher-written assessment based on the exam. GCSE students will also sit two ‘mocks’ per year, which are larger papers and are designed to give students the experience of sitting a full paper. Like in Key Stage 3, our feedback lessons are of high importance with regard to student progress, and students are encouraged to annotate their papers and set targets for improvement.
KS3 Geography Curriculum Content
YEAR 7
Subject |
Module content |
Tectonic Hazards |
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Map Skills |
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World Population |
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Coastal Processes and Landforms |
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YEAR 8
Subject |
Module content |
An Urban World |
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Weather Hazards |
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Tropical Rainforests |
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Rivers and Flooding |
|
YEAR 9
Subject |
Module content |
Superpower Geographies |
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Extreme Earth |
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Africa |
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UK |
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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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