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Geography
AIMS
Curriculum aim: to ensure all pupils have a well-rounded knowledge of the world (on a variety of scales) and the ability to articulate informed opinions on local, national, and global issues considering a range of perspectives (including social, economic, environmental).
Geography at Bedford Free school aims to arm pupils with geographical knowledge that will guide them to become global citizens. Our curriculum intends to instil personal values that promote an awareness of the importance of sustainability, inclusivity, acceptance, tolerance, and moral responsibilities such as caring for the environment. Pupils will be able to make informed choices with mindfulness about the impact of their choices have on people and nature, as well as having the academic qualification to allow them to engage in discussion of local, national and global issues in the future.
Key Stage 3
The KS3 geography curriculum at Bedford Free School intends to provide all pupils with access to specialist knowledge of the world they live in, knowledge that extends far beyond what they watch on the news or read on social media. Starting in year 7 we hope that the UK focus of the curriculum evokes curiosity, encourages pupils to ask questions and facilitates their ability to begin thinking like geographers by covering relatable content.
Once pupils have experienced applying geographical thinking to the local and familiar and pupil’s ability to think like geographers improves with practice there is a shift towards more complex global issues such as the challenges of urbanisation. More complicated, larger scale issues such as climate change which are characterised by more difficult theory, as well as a myriad of perspectives and viewpoints to consider are presented towards the end of KS3.
Key Stage 4
AQA
Paper 1- Living with the physical environment
Section A: The challenge of natural hazards
Section B: The living world: Option: Cold environments
Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK: Options Coasts and Rivers.
Paper 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: Option: Energy
Paper 3-Geographical applications
Section A: Issue evaluation
Section B: Fieldwork
Section C: Geographical skills
Advice for parents
It is hugely beneficial for all GCSE Geography pupils to own their own copy of the textbook we use in lesson: GCSE 9-1 Geography AQA: Student book Second Edition (2022).
Additional resources that can be purchased, though are not necessary include:
GCSE 9-1 Geography AQA Revision Guide Second Edition
GCSE 9-1 Geography AQA Exam Practice: Grades 7-9 (or 4-6) Second Edition
Department contact
Miss Fulham, Head of Geography: cfulham@bedfordfreeschool.co.uk