Geography
Our Curriculum
In Years 7-9 students study both Physical Geography and Human Geography themes, as well as skills: map skills and data analysis, weather and climate, globalisation, rainforests, tectonics, coasts, energy and resource and development, as well as considering sustainability and the environment throughout. Throughout KS3 we build upon prior learning from KS2, encouraging students to develop increasingly complex skills while revisiting familiar concepts at a deeper level. As students progress, they are introduced to more unfamiliar content, equipping them with the tools to analyse and understand it critically.
Our curriculum fosters deep analytical skills that help to make sense of the world around us, it is important to make the links between what happens within the physical world, and how we interact and influence this. Key language is instilled throughout so that students are ready for the GCSE course.
At KS4 we aim to hone skills such as data analysis, exam question interpretation, critical analysis, fieldwork investigation, evaluation, and decision making so that students leave us with the ability to engage with more complex academic challenges in the future.
How we assess students in Key Stage 3
Students are assessed on a regular basis (at least once per half term) using GCSE-style exam questions. Student performance and progress in these assessment questions is tracked across KS3 using skills progress grids that can be found on the back of student work booklets. As we see students displaying an ability in various skills, these are highlighted on the grid which then informs our judgement on a students’ ability in our subject; foundation, developing, secure or excelling.
Each assessment question at Key Stage 3 is marked, returned to students to make improvements and corrections, and checked again by the class teacher to ensure that the feedback provided has had an impact on student progress.
See the Geography Assessment Criteria below.
How we support your child to succeed and where they can access help:
In Key Stage 3:
If students require further subject knowledge for homework tasks or upcoming assessments, the following website is very useful:
https://www.internetgeography.net/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrw76sg
Students can also ask their class teacher for more support or guidance at any time; we are always happy to do what we can to help and provide support for our students.
The best way for you to support a student at home is to take an interest in the news, and to foster curiosity about what issues are happening where in the world. Having these discussions will help your child to be able to make links about the myriad of global issues and their interconnectedness. It will also be helpful to ask them about new language they have been learning, to allow them to practice the use of the keywords throughout the topics.
In Key Stage 4:
Students are provided with all the resources they need for the GCSE by their class teacher. However, here are a few resources which might help further support students with their homework and revision:
Past exam papers and mark schemes from our exam board can be found here:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/assessment-resources
Students can have a read of the mark scheme for a specific question to familiarise themselves with what an examiner would be looking for. They can then attempt a much more informed answer to the question, practising and developing their exam skills. Your child’s class teacher will be happy to mark and provide feedback on any extra exam questions that are completed at home.
The exam board-verified revision guides are below:
CGP AQA Geography GCSE Revision Guide
Pearson REVISE AQA GCSE Geography Revision Guide Flashcards
Again, students should speak with their class teacher in the first instance that they have any questions or a need for more support.
If you have any further questions, please contact either your child’s teacher, or Head of Geography, m.king@lrs.sch.je .