Geography

The Geography Department is dynamic and successful and we are committed to inspiring the next generation of geographers.  Geography develops an understanding of the interaction between the physical and human environment and enables students to become responsible citizens in an increasingly global society.  It also equips students with a plethora of cross-curricular skills and promotes the development of an enquiring mind.

The pupils always enjoy their Geography lessons and are encouraged to participate actively in their learning. We value their enthusiasm and individuality and pupils are therefore given the opportunity to complete tasks in a format which suits their learning style. This can include diary entries, newspaper reports, concept maps, posters, poems, songs and role plays, as well as prose. Pupils are also encouraged to develop their thinking skills through a variety of tasks including living graphs and geographical mysteries.

The lower school follows the 'Geog.Series' covering an array of physical and human Geography topics and allowing students to develop their geographical and map work skills.  Fieldwork plays an important part in the enrichment of the Geography curriculum and each year group has the opportunity to participate.  The UIII (Year 7) investigate the downstream changes in the River Chess.  The LIV (Year 8) travel to Bournemouth and Barton-on-Sea to investigate the disappearance of Barton-on-Sea’s beach; whilst the UIV (Year 9) investigate the sphere of influence of Chessington World of Adventure (whilst sampling the occasional ride!).

GCSE

Geography is a very popular option at GSCE.  The department follows the AQA Specification A, which develops and builds upon the knowledge, understanding and skills from Key Stage 3. The Department results are outstanding owing to small class sizes and dedicated, specialist teachers who are always willing to offer help and support where necessary.

A variety of enrichment opportunities are also offered. At the start of the GCSE course the LIV (Year 8) Geographers visit The Dorset Jurassic Coastline to study the development of coastal landforms, and later in the year they visit Wallingford to collect data for their GCSE controlled assessment. Other enrichment opportunities have included trips to Iceland, Kenya and Italy.

The GCSE covers a range of both Physical and Human Geography topics, which include Coasts, Plate Tectonics, Tourism and Globalisation.  Students also undertake a research project on a topic based on the syllabus but selected by the examination board.

Geography is offered at A level and IB and many students go on to study the subject at university where it opens up a range of career opportunities.