Geography
Welcome to the Geography Department
At St John Henry Newman School our Geography lessons hope to inspire in pupils an interest and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We aim to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding alongside acquiring a wide range of skills. Both physical and human geography is studied within each academic year.
Michael Palin “Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me geography is a great adventure with a purpose.
If you have any queries regarding Geography please do not hesitate to get in touch with Miss Hannan or Mrs Carr, our geography teachers or Miss Lowrey, Head of Humanities.
Key Stage 3 Geography
In Key Stage three Geography pupils will build upon their knowledge and understanding of the world around them which they acquired in Key stage two and continue to make the progression towards GCSE level. Pupils are encouraged to think about the world in new ways looking at the connections between place and scale They will have the opportunity to foster a greater understanding of contemporary challenges facing our planet and look at local communities within a global setting. Both physical and human Geography are studied and pupils will gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between the two. Pupils are encouraged to become independent learners who can apply their knowledge to new situations. Geographical enquiry work allows pupils to use evidence to reach conclusions and be able to offer their own explanations whilst also appreciating the viewpoint of other interest groups.
Topic areas covered in Key stage three range from Map skills, Settlement, Economic Activities, Development, Population, Global Issues, Rivers, Coasts, Tectonic Processes and Weather and Climate.
GCSE Geography (AQA) - Key Stage 4
The new AQA GCSE Geography specification covers the following topics:
1. Living with the Physical World
Section A - The challenge of Natural Hazards (tectonic hazards and weather hazards).
Section B - The Living World (ecosystems, tropical rain forests, hot deserts or cold environments).
Section C - Physical landscapes in the UK. Two from coastal landscapes. River landscape and glacial landscapes.
2. Challenges in the Human Environment
Section A - Urban issues and challenges.
Section B - The changing economic world.
Section C - The challenge of resource management.
3. Geographical Applications
Section A - Issue evaluation.
Section B - Fieldwork.
Section C - Geographical skills.
Paper 1 Living in the Physical Environment
Time 1 .30 hours (35 % of the course)
In this paper pupils will be assessed on the Challenge of Natural Hazards, The Living World, Physical Landscapes of the UK and Geographical Skills.
Paper 2 Challenges in the Human Environment
Time 1.30 hours (35 % of the course) Changing Economic World, the Challenge of resource management
In this paper pupils will be assessed on Urban Issues and challenges, The Changing Economic World, the Challenge of resource management al Skills.
Paper 3 Issues Evaluation and Skills
Time 1 .15 hours (30 % of the course)
In this paper pupils will be given a pre- release booklet 12 weeks before the examination which they will be able to study and analyse the content.
In all examination papers there will be
- an element of literacy and pupils will be assessed on their spelling, punctuation and grammar
- a variety of question types from multiple choice, short answers and extended prose.
The qualification will be graded on a nine point scale 1 to 9, where 9 is the highest.
Find out more here
