Geography is much more than precipitation cycles, population pyramids and plate tectonics – it is the study of the relationships between the Earth’s landscapes, people, places and environments. In short, geography helps us to understand and explain the complex world we live in. The important role of geographical knowledge in understanding current local and global issues, such as climate change and contemporary world conflicts, is increasingly recognised by governments and businesses alike.
AIM:
To engage, challenge and enthuse students in developing their knowledge and understanding of local, national and global geographical locations and concepts, and provide them with the skills to record, interpret and evaluate geographical issues.
OBJECTIVE:
To effectively deliver a balanced, progressive and stimulating programme of learning To provide classroom and fieldwork opportunities with appropriate resources To develop students as independent and responsible thinkers To encourage excellence
CURRENT ACHIEVEMENT:
Geography at St. Ninian’s has a successful programme of study at KS3, providing students with skills, knowledge and interest to continue the subject at KS4 and KS5. This is seen through the increasing popularity of geography as an option subject, high standards of examination results, and increasing reputation within the school as a department showing good practice and effective management.
The department was recently awarded the Secondary Geography Quality Mark Award, by the Royal Geographical Society, in recognition of the excellence in teaching and learning, and ongoing professional development.
CURRENT CURRICULUM:
Y7 – Mapping my Place, Weather and climate, Mission Antarctica, Geography of Crime
Y8 – How the Isle of Man was formed, My world; My responsibilities, Investigating Italy
Y9 – Brazil: Man vs. rainforest, Restless Earth, Developing Africa, Fieldwork pilot project
GCSE AQA Specification A:
Y10/11 – iGCSE (Cambridge)
Y12/13 – iA-level (Cambridge)
LESSONS PER WEEK:
1 x 50 mins in Year 7 & 8
2 x 50 minutes in Year 9
3 x 50 minutes in Year 10 & 11
6 x 50 minutes in Year 12 & 13 (shared between two teaching staff)
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS:
Compatible topics are taught in a number of other departments (e.g. rock cycle in Science, migration and conflict in History) Skills such as numeracy and literacy are taught to complement those of Maths and English department, and ICT skills such as use of Excel for graphing fieldwork data. Geography also strives to provide opportunities such as the development of thinking skills, group work, leadership, presentation skills, time management and organisation.
SNHS Geography 