Geography

It is vital that our students develop a deep knowledge of the world that we live in, to ensure they are educated global citizens and understand the true value of Planet Earth. Geography covers the physical environment and how humans interact with it, with a key focus on the changes that are occurring in the 21st century globalised world and the impact it has on all of us.

Students build on their knowledge and understanding throughout the key stages and one of the main methods is enquiry based learning. This is key in our Geography curriculum to ensure students develop high level thinking skills, such as critical thinking and evaluation, so they can investigate the issues for the present and the future of the planet, exploring all scales, from the personal to the local and the global so they are resilient citizens that can face any challenge.

The Planet Earth is the Geography classroom, and it is essential for our students to learn respect and interact with it. Field work, as well as developing vital team work skills, underpins our Geography curriculum, at a range of scales. The aim is to encourage questioning and to be able to investigate the issues affecting their world, now and in the future.  Our students learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images as well as exploring new technologies, including harnessing key skills for the modern world, such as geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information.  Field work varies from investigating our local environment to larger scale residential trips to the Isle of Arran and Iceland.

We are fortunate that our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we pride ourselves in including their experiences/heritage within our subject. As staff we have the highest expectations about the quality of work and the respect students show one another in every lesson.

The aim for the department is to ensure that the Geography curriculum is intellectually challenging and relevant to the students of Crossley Heath. This enables students to succeed to the highest standard and to be able to understand their role as responsible global citizen of Planet Earth.

Geography at Key Stage 3

Autumn TermSpring TermSummer Term
Year 7My Place in the World

An introduction to the physical and human Geography of the UK. A decision-making exercise using local field work to introduce key geographical skills.
Microclimates fieldwork and Map Skills

Complete our first fieldwork investigation to discover the different microclimates around Crossley Heath.

Developing geographical skills by learning to read OS maps.
Development

Investigating the unequal world that we live in and gain an understanding about how the gap could be closed.
Amazing Places

An study of six amazing places on Planet Earth, including Antarctica and Galapagos Islands
Africa

An in-depth study of the continent of Africa. Focus on the issues of development and future of the continent.
Oceans and Sustainability

Explore the issues of plastic in our oceans and investigate how these ecosystems can be used sustainably.
Year 8Middle East

Investigating the physical and human geography of the area and developing an understanding of the conflicts linked to natural resources
The Amazon

The issue of deforestation and a decision-making activity to investigate the future of the region.
Africa and Asia

Explore the similarities and difference between the two continents and country examples within each.
Plate Tectonics

The science behind volcanoes and earthquakes. A study of major hazards around the world.
China

Discover the human and physical geography of China to learn why it is the fastest growing economy in the world.
Water & the River Calder

Explore the relationship between the rivers in Calderdale and the people who live there.
Year 9Population Change

Learn how global population change can create both opportunities and challenges.
Health

How and why do diseases spread? Which are more prevalent in HICs? Who makes medicines?
UK Topic

The UK’s urban areas are experiencing significant change – what impacts and challenges is this creating?
Weather Hazards and Climate Change

How is climate change linked to the intensity and severity of global weather hazards?
Glaciation

Explore how glaciers have shaped our UK landscapes and the features they left behind.
Antarctica

One of the last remaining wilderness areas, discover what makes Antarctica special

GCSE curriculum

Geography helps students to make sense of the world around them. It is hands on, it is relevant and it is fun. The GCSE course is a mix of topics such as urban issues, world development, extreme environments and hazards – to name but a few. The course will give students the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world, and understand the social, economic and physical forces and processes which shape and change our world. The course provides a level of challenge that allows students to question the concept of sustainability in human and physical Geography.

The course presents a range of opportunities to learn new skills such as computer-based mapping (called GIS), map skills, fieldwork skills, presenting, role play and debating techniques. It also helps students improve their literacy and make practical use of numeracy skills when they interpret data and construct graphs. Fieldwork, is a really important part of geography, it is a brilliant opportunity to experience first-hand what they have learnt about in class, see things differently and of course have fun.

The AQA GCSE course contains the following topics:

Physical Geography

Natural Hazards
Living World
Coasts
Rivers

Human Geography

Urban Challenges
The Changing Economic World
The Challenges of Resource Management

A Level Geography

The course covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. It also, importantly, shows how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. This is offers a challenge for students, as it is complex and dynamic and varies from place to place depending on people’s resources, technology and culture. The course focuses on discussion and wider research which promotes independent thinking, which is a key requirement for any employer. It also includes a variety of field work opportunities, including a residential trip to the Isle of Arran.

The AQA A Level course contains the following topics:

Physical Geography
Coastal Landscapes
Water and Carbon Cycle
Natural Hazards

Human Geography
Urban Challenges
The Globalised World
Changing Places

The enhanced curriculum
The Geography department is committed to ensuring that Geography students are supported every step of the way. Teachers are available to support students at lunchtime and after school. In addition to this, there is an environmental club, with the aim of making the school as sustainable as possible.
The Geography department runs a range of fieldwork to inspire students, develop their confidence and to help them to develop a deeper understanding of the topics being studied.

Field trips
Year 7 –Micro climate study and decision-making exercise around Crossley Heath.
Year 8 – ‘The Geography of Manchester’ Day of fieldwork to explore the topic
Year 9 – Salford Quays – investigating the regeneration of the area
Year 10 – Day trip to Hornsea – investigating the impacts groynes have on a coastal environment
Year 10 – Iceland – an awe-inspiring trip to promotes all aspects of Geography
Year 12 – Isle of Arran – Residential trip to develop geographical skills
Year 12 – Hebden Bridge – Local study of ‘sense of place’


7 Year Curriculum Plan(s)

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