Geography

Why is Geography important?

Geography helps us to understand the complexity and diversity of the planet Earth, both in terms of its physical nature and how we interact with its environment. Geography helps us to understand the evolution of people, their ideas, places and environments. It also enables us to make sensible judgements about matters involving relationships between the physical environment and society. Geography helps us to better understand global interdependence and to become a better global citizen.

What is the aim of the Geography curriculum at Oaklands?

The Geography curriculum at Oaklands School aims to help build a sustainable Planet Earth. It develops students' ability to see links between the physical world and human society and how they impact each other. It aims to create smart travellers of our students by making them knowledgeable about the planet, the formation of landscapes and the impact of tourism, both positive and negative on community and society.

It provides knowledge and understanding of the physical environment and the interdependence of species.

By the end of their experience studying Geography at Oaklands School, every student will have been exposed to using maps, learning ICT and/or GIS skills, analysing data, interpreting diagrams and images, understanding geo-politics and economics, as well as essay writing and completing fieldwork.

To understand basic physical systems that affect everyday life (e.g. earth-sun relationships, water cycles, wind and ocean currents).
To learn the location of places and the physical and cultural characteristics of those places in order to function more effectively in our increasingly interdependent world.
To develop a mental map of your community, province or territory, country and the world so that you can understand the “where” of places and events.
To explain how the processes of human and physical systems have arranged and sometimes changed the surface of the Earth.
To understand the spatial organisation of society and see order in what often appears to be random scattering of people and places.
To recognize spatial distributions at all scales — local and worldwide — in order to understand the complex connectivity of people and places
To appreciate Earth as the homeland of humankind and provide insight for wise management decisions about how the planet’s resources should be used.

Geographers make great team workers and have top research, presentation and communication skills. These abilities open up opportunities in many different careers, from market research and accounting, to law and property surveying. The ability to use advanced computer modelling tools also means Geographers can pursue careers in data and IT.

How is the curriculum in Geography structured?

Year 7 to 9 are taught Geography for two periods over the fortnight.

Those who learn Geography in Year 10 and Year 11 will do so over three periods over a fortnight.

A Level Geography is taught across six periods over the fortnight.

Topics covered in Year 7

What is Geography
Key Skills
Food
Restless Earth
Tourism
Local Biodiversity Project

Topics covered in Year 8

Weather & Climate
Population
Natural Resources
Hydrology
Coasts

Topics covered in Year 9

Ecosystems
Crime
Development
Geological Timescales
Geography of Conflict

Topics covered in Year 10

Theme 1: Changing Places, Changing Economies

Urbanisation in Contrasting Global Cities
Urban and Rural Processes and Change in the UK
A Global Perspective on Development Issues

Theme 2: Changing Environments

Shaping the Landscape - Coasts and Coastal Management
Shaping the Landscape - Rivers and River Management
Weather and Climate Change - Cause and Effect

Topics covered in Year 11

Theme 3: Environmental Challenges

How Ecosystems Function
Ecosystems Under Threat
Water Resources and Management
Desertification

KS4 Qualification title

Eduqas Syllabus B

KS5 Qualification title

Eduqas A Level

Geography Curriculum Maps

Additional learning resources

The Department is well equipped with 3 dedicated teaching rooms housing a range of resources such as interactive whiteboards, geographical magazines, geographical films and a range of texts. The Geography department has links with the Royal Geographical Society and Field Study Centres in London and Norfolk.

The department club, called the Geography Society Club, runs weekly every Tuesday afterschool. It is open to all students if they are interested in broadening their passion for the subject. The club will look at contemporary issues, as well as arts and crafts, writing articles for the school newspaper as well paying visits to museums and Kew Gardens

Practical tips / activities for parents to support learning at home

Do practice map skills with your child - digitally or manually
Do discuss the news and current affairs with your child
Do expose your child to named places and examples to help build their knowledge of case studies
Do take your child out to visit natural locations and let them show-off how much they have learnt in their Geography and Science lessons.