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