Course Outline – Geography

We are a forward looking and successful department which aims to teach Geography in a lively and imaginative manner. The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on student’s own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.

Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of this. learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography inspires students to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.

The department is housed in a suite of three rooms and is located next to the school’s IT suites. The Geography rooms are all well equipped with a range of resources and the department has its own library and study area as well as a comprehensive range of field work equipment to assist with A Level NEA projects. Key Stage 3 is taught across Years 7, and 8, with Year 9 starting the GCSE specification content. The Key Stage 3 curriculum has been designed to ensure that students cover a wide breadth of content and skills. The curriculum aims to give students access to active and creative approaches to subject. The curriculum content has been devised based on requirements at GCSE, liaison with the Geographical Association, the Royal Geographical Society.

Geography is a popular subject at CCHSG with approximately 80% of key stage 4 and 25% of key stage 5 students respectively studying the discipline. Our academic record is excellent and many of our girls go on to read Geography or a related discipline at University.