Geography

Welcome to the Geography Department!

Our department is made up of well qualified Geography experts who have a range of specialisms and a shared passion for the subject. Together we deliver a knowledge-rich, ‘spiral’ curriculum that takes students from foundation geographical principles in y7 through to advanced topics in y11 and beyond – all interconnected and revisited throughout their time with us. All skills will ensure that our students become inquisitive Geographers too, just like us.

Studying Geography develops skills that reach far beyond the classroom. The ability to analyse evidence, weigh up strengths and weaknesses and reach a reasoned judgement is invaluable in almost any field, and these transferable skills keep students' options open long after they leave our lessons.

We are committed to teaching a curriculum that covers to full range of human and physical Geography, with transferable skills being implemented throughout all year groups. Our Schemes of Work constantly build on prior knowledge, vocabulary and skill sets, whether they be mapping, maths, fieldwork or literary skills.

Geography also builds independent thinking. Students learn to understand concepts and use their understanding to interpret the real world around them. We encourage wider reading of Geographical articles and online material, and teach them how to construct their own evidenced based case studies — skills that make them increasingly self-sufficient learners.

Our Vision

We believe that an inquisitive pupil will always produce academic success. Our aim is to help students achieve the best possible Geography qualifications, but more importantly to create the curious, the worldly-wise Geographers needed for tomorrow.

Our Curriculum

At Key Stage 3, students will start in y7 with learning basic map skills that will help them throughout their Geography journey – they study how populations differ, grow and decline, Africa is studied in detail in this year group. The physical geography units include building on KS2 knowledge about Rivers, Weather and Climate. Year 8 explores other regions of the world such as China, Russia and the Middle East, and the physical component of year 8 looks at Glaciation and Ice Ages, finishing the year with an in-depth study of the processes that occur along the Coast. Year 9 starts strongly in the physical realm where both Geology and Tectonics are studied. The human geography element in year 9 looks at International Development and Economic Sectors, and at global cities such as Mumbai, Sao Paulo, London to name but a few. Year 9 culminates in a fieldtrip to test the theory of city morphology (how cities form/town planning) against a real life city (London, Sutton)

At Key Stage 4, students follow the Edexcel A GCSE Geography specification across Years 10 and 11. Three papers make up the qualification: Paper 1 – Physical Geography; Geology, Rivers and Coasts; Climate and Weather Hazards; Ecosystems and their sustainable management. Paper 2 – Human Geography: Global Development; Changing Cities; Resource management. Paper 3 – Fieldwork - fieldtrips to a major UK city and to a local river (R. Tillingbourne in Dorking), testing theory against the real world, developing fieldwork skills and preparing for exam questions.

At Key Stage 5, ...coming soon

Year 12 ...coming soon

Year 13 ...coming soon

Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities

Our curriculum is enriched with visits and residential trips that connect classroom learning to primary evidence. Year 9 students can take part in a trip to Sutton to collect data for their coursework write up.

Year 10 visit the River Tillingbourne and learn fieldwork techniques such as using hydro props, satellite imagery and river data collection techniques used by the NRA. (National River’s Authority)

Sixth Form students ……...coming soon

Destinations

Many of our students go on to study Geography ...coming soon

Head of Department: Harriet Voorn hvoorn@carshaltonboys.org

Our Geography Curriculum Map:

Geography Curriculum Map

Year 7 Geography

Year 7 - Geography Subject Page

Year 7 - Geography Vocabulary Booklet

Year 8 Geography

Year 8 - Geography Subject Page

Year 8 - Geography Vocabulary Booklet