Geography

Welcome to the Geography Department!

Our department is made up of well qualified Geography experts who have a range of specialisms and a shared passion for the subject. Together we deliver a knowledge-rich, ‘spiral’ curriculum that takes students from foundation geographical principles in y7 through to advanced topics in y11 and beyond – all interconnected and revisited throughout their time with us. All skills will ensure that our students become inquisitive Geographers too, just like us.

Studying Geography develops skills that reach far beyond the classroom. The ability to analyse evidence, weigh up strengths and weaknesses and reach a reasoned judgement is invaluable in almost any field, and these transferable skills keep students' options open long after they leave our lessons.

We are committed to teaching a curriculum that covers to full range of human and physical Geography, with transferable skills being implemented throughout all year groups. Our Schemes of Work constantly build on prior knowledge, vocabulary and skill sets, whether they be mapping, maths, fieldwork or literary skills.

Geography also builds independent thinking. Students learn to understand concepts and use their understanding to interpret the real world around them. We encourage wider reading of Geographical articles and online material, and teach them how to construct their own evidenced based case studies — skills that make them increasingly self-sufficient learners.

Our Vision

We believe that an inquisitive pupil will always produce academic success. Our aim is to help students achieve the best possible Geography qualifications, but more importantly to create the curious, the worldly-wise Geographers needed for tomorrow.

Our Curriculum

At Key Stage 3, students will start in y7 with learning basic map skills that will help them throughout their Geography journey – they study how populations differ, grow and decline, Africa is studied in detail in this year group. The physical geography units include building on KS2 knowledge about Rivers, Weather and Climate. Year 8 explores other regions of the world such as China, Russia and the Middle East, and the physical component of year 8 looks at Glaciation and Ice Ages, finishing the year with an in-depth study of the processes that occur along the Coast. Year 9 starts strongly in the physical realm where both Geology and Tectonics are studied. The human geography element in year 9 looks at International Development and Economic Sectors, and at global cities such as Mumbai, Sao Paulo, London to name but a few. Year 9 culminates in a fieldtrip to test the theory of city morphology (how cities form/town planning) against a real life city (London, Sutton)

At Key Stage 4, students follow the Edexcel A GCSE Geography specification across Years 10 and 11. Three papers make up the qualification: Paper 1 – Physical Geography; Geology, Rivers and Coasts; Climate and Weather Hazards; Ecosystems and their sustainable management. Paper 2 – Human Geography: Global Development; Changing Cities; Resource management. Paper 3 – Fieldwork - fieldtrips to a major UK city and to a local river (R. Tillingbourne in Dorking), testing theory against the real world, developing fieldwork skills and preparing for exam questions.

At Key Stage 5

A Level Geography (Edexcel A)

Geography at A Level helps students make sense of the world's biggest challenges, from natural hazards and climate change to globalisation and shifting global power. Students develop strong analytical, research and writing skills, preparing them for a wide range of university courses and careers.

Year 12
Students begin with Tectonic Processes and Hazards, exploring why earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis happen and how societies manage their risks. They study Coastal Landscapes and Change, examining the processes that shape our coastlines and the pressures they face. On the human side, students investigate Globalisation and how it connects and divides the world, alongside Regenerating Places, which looks at how and why places change and who benefits. Fieldwork is an important part of the year and prepares students for their independent investigation.

Year 13
Students study The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity and The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security, gaining a deep understanding of the systems that sustain life on Earth and the impact of human activity on them. They also explore Superpowers, considering how global influence is gained and challenged, and Health, Human Rights and Intervention. Alongside this, students complete their Independent Investigation, a 3,000–4,000 word project based on their own fieldwork and research.

Assessment
The course is assessed through three exams (80%) and the independent investigation (20%). Paper 3 is a synoptic paper that draws together learning from across the course.

Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities
Fieldwork brings the course to life, and Year 12 students take part in a range of trips. A visit to the Olympic Park in Stratford, London lets students see regeneration in action and assess how the area has changed since the 2012 Games. At Hayling Island, they investigate coastal processes and the management strategies used to protect the shoreline. The highlight of the year is a residential trip to Slapton Ley in Devon, where students develop their fieldwork skills and gather ideas for their independent investigation.

Beyond these trips, students are encouraged to broaden their understanding through a wide range of wider experiences. They are signposted to webinars and online lectures, such as those run by the Royal Geographical Society and university geography departments, which give a taste of undergraduate study and current research. Students are also encouraged to read widely around the subject, including books such as Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall and Factfulness by Hans Rosling, as well as Geography Review magazine and current affairs coverage of topics like climate change, migration and global politics.

Independent visits to places such as the Natural History Museum, the Thames Barrier, the Museum of London Docklands and Kew Gardens help students connect their learning to real-world places and issues. Together, these experiences build geographical knowledge and cultural capital, and they give students plenty to talk about in their personal statements and university interviews.

Useful links
Royal Geographical Society (lectures, resources and A Level support): https://www.rgs.org
Geographical Association (news, resources and student guidance): https://www.geography.org.uk

Geography and related courses - University Destinations

Sixth form leavers, 2023 to 2026 ( A level Geography Students)

Year	University	Course
2023	University of Portsmouth	Geography
2023	University of Southampton	Geography
2023	University of Reading	Geography (Human and Physical)
2023	Queen Mary University of London	International Relations
2024	University of Sussex	Geography
2024	University of Birmingham	International Relations
2025	SOAS University of London	International Relations and Economics
2026	Loughborough University	Geography with Economics (with placement year)
2026	Oxford Brookes University	Business Management and Geography