Geography investigates the relationship between the Earth and its people. In Geography in KS3 at Winton, students study a variety of key issues, which aim to widen their knowledge about the World in which they live. Students undertake studies looking at various scales from evaluating tourism in Bournemouth, their local area. Students thoroughly enjoy appreciating the national advantage of hosting the London 2012 Olympic Games. On the Global scale students consider Population, in addition to Development.
During the three years, students develop key skills which assist them not only in Geography, but through cross curricula links. Skills enhanced include map reading, data interpretation, analytical skills on varying human opinion, improving communicational ability, team work and presentational proficiency.
In the first year of Geography (year 7) students will explore their home country, in addition to learning about the upcoming London 2012 Olympics. Pupils gain an active and in depth knowledge of map skills and the Restless Planet, focusing on devastating Earthquakes and Volcanoes.
During Year 8, pupils learn about the challenges of Population, the physical and human processes of Coastal environments, this is of particularly interest to students, due to our local beach location. Weather & Climate is studied, as well as the exciting study of China and its rising power and influence.
Finally in KS3, Year 9 Students consider the contemporary problems of Development in the ‘Poor South’, the dramatic growth of International Tourism. Linking back to Year 8 and the study of China, Students compare the USA and the superpower’s future role.
Throughout KS3, the department uses the Oxford University Geog.World series to assist pupils learning.
Geography is a popular GCSE option; the department follows the OCR B course. The course covers four main themes; Rivers and Coasts, Population and Settlement, Natural Hazards and Economic Development. These modules ensure a well rounded understanding of the subject. The course includes two coursework elements, one of data interpretation from a local fieldtrip. The GCSE also includes a decision making exam where pupils are given pre-released material on a specific geographical theme.
The skills and understanding students obtain can lead to employment opportunities in journalism, the armed forces, media, engineering, ICT, travel and tourism, environmental management, marketing, business management and teaching.
Geography is everywhere, so everyone should know about it!
