Geography

Examinations

The importance of examinations is recognised in the structure of the department's teaching plans.

The examinations at the half year and the end of the summer term will be based on the whole of the work completed up to that time.

There will be a review after the Year 7 end of year examination to decide which set provides the most suitable standard for your child to achieve his/her potential. The sets will be reviewed each term after Year 7.

Why Study Geagraphy?

The main aim of Geography is to increase pupils' awareness to the world around them and the way that mankind interacts with its environment.

The study of Geography should be enquiry based, and therefore much of the work done in Year 7 is research and theory backed with practical application.

How can I help?

By taking an interest in your child's Geography work
By making sure that your child has all the right equipment to take an active part in every Geography lesson.
By checking all their homework is done to the high standard expected of Geographers.
By making sure that their book is marked up to date.
By contacting the Head of Department if you or your child are unhappy in any way.

The Year 7 Geography Course

In the first year of the lower school the pupils will follow a course based on the National Curriculum Geography Syllabus.

The course starts with a revision of the Map skills taught in Key Stage 2 and develops these to a higher level through model making and practical mapwork.

An examination of Settlement and Shopping is followed by a study of River Basins, aspects of Flooding and Football. The year ends with a study of Volcanoes. There is an element of practical work in each unit.

In the first year at the school pupils are taught in their form groups and are allowed to progress at a pace which reflects their individual ability.

Later in the school they are put into Geography sets ready for the more demanding work of Years 8 & 9 where they can be taught alongside pupils of similar ability.

Preparation for GCSE begins in Year 7.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork plays a prominent part in both the lower and upper school Geography syllabuses.

In Year 7 the pupils will attempt one piece of fieldwork on each unit studied. The first will be a measuring exercise around their bedroom based on the Mapskills work done in the first term.

A study of the types of shopping centre in the local area, and a further piece based on traffic around the local area will occur in the final term. In both these cases the data will be collected in groups but analysed and displayed individually.

In the summer term of Year 7 we run a three day fieldwork course involving a Geography research project in North Wales. On this occasion we use the school facilities to create a tented village at Criccieth. The cost is about £45. Both group and individual displays are produced on return to school.

Although this is a voluntary activity, it is usual that almost all the pupils in the year group take part.

Homework

"Research has revealed that children who complete homework are more successful than those who do not", Kent consultants 1996.

The homework given in Geography is in line with the school and department policy on homework.

Pupils will always be given Geography homework, usually once a week. There will be some learning homeworks and some reading homeworks.

In Year 7 each homework should last about 30 minutes. No pupil should spend more time than this on their homework. The homework is always given on the day that the pupils have their Geography lesson.

Most homeworks are set pieces to be handed in the following day, although this deadline may be extended in case of longer assignments. All pupils are expected to meet the deadlines set by their Geography teacher.

It is up to the individual pupil to make sure that deadlines are kept and homework is handed in on time.