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Geography
AIMS
Geography is the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, including the distribution of populations and resources and political and economic activities.
After studying geography for 5 years, pupils are able to:
- identify, understand and explain a range of physical processes that shape our world,
- identify, understand, explain and evaluate human activities and how they impact our world,
- manipulate statistical data, using a range of mathematical techniques and present the data in appropriate ways, and
- conduct appropriate fieldwork to meet a range of aims. Evaluate their fieldwork practice and identify improvements to increase fieldwork validity.
Geography is the study of our world and our place in it. It is a crucial subject for understanding our home, how it works and our impact upon it. Through knowledge of physical and human geography can future generations take steps to ensure our planet is protected from some of its biggest threats, such as climate change and terrorism.
The study of geography at KS3 & KS4 will allow for further study at A – Level and University. Geography fits with a number of different disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, maths and environmental sciences.
Key Stage 3
Topics studied include:
Year 7 – British Geography, Map Skills, Countries & Capitals, Exploring Biomes, Urbanisation.
Year 8 – Restless Earth, Development, Tourism, Population, Rivers & Flooding.
Year 9 – Weather & Weather Hazards, Resource Management, Climate Change, Coasts, Geopolitics & Globalisation.
Key Stage 4
At BFS we follow the AQA GCSE specification. During which GCSE pupils study,
Year 10 – The Challenge on Natural Hazards, Urban Issues and Challenges, Changing UK Landscapes – Rivers & Coasts, The Changing Economic World.
Year 11 – The Living World, The Challenge of Resource Management, Fieldwork.
The GCSE is examined during 3 exams at the end of year 11. Those exams are,
- Unit 1 – The Challenge of the Physical Environment (35%).
- Unit 2 – The Challenge of the Human Environment (35%).
- Unit 3 – Geographical Application (30%).
Advice for parents
Should a pupil select GCSE geography as one of their options they will be required to undertake mandatory fieldwork. This fieldwork will go towards the pupil’s 3rd exam and will make up 30% of the pupil’s GCSE grade.
Currently the fieldwork at BFS is conducted at Flatford Mill Field Centre in Suffolk and is a 3 day residential completed at the start of year 11.
We would recommend every GCSE pupil purchase the AQA GCSE Geography textbook.
ISBN: 9780198366614
Department contact
Miss Fulham, Head of Geography: cfulham@bedfordfreeschool.co.uk