Geography is an extremely important part of the school curriculum and is a very cross-curricular subject. The emphasis in lessons is on topicality and relevance.

The Geography Department’s aims are:

  • Develop an understanding of the interactions between human and physical processes.
  • Encourage a sense of community, responsibility and international understanding.
  • Foster an understanding of interdependence and the commonality and diversity of human experience throughout the world.
  • Encourage concern for, and a sense of stewardship of, the environment, and an understanding of the concept of sustainability.
  • Develop skills in graphicacy, enquiry, creativity, analysis, evaluation and problem-solving.
  • Encourage students to develop the ability to work both independently and as part of a group.
  • Help students develop the ability to communicate their ideas and views effectively.

Contact Head of Geography

KS3

The OCR specifications at A Level and GCSE were chosen with the aim of best preparing students for a lifelong interest in the world and university-level study. The KS3 curriculum was then constructed in the form of a spiral curriculum with sequencing designed to provide regular focus on five Key Concepts (Scale, Place, Interconnection, Environment & Space), as well as regularly revisiting important topics, concepts and skills to build a solid foundation of knowledge for students moving through the school. The key concepts were chosen after we reflected upon a number of Geographical Association articles which aimed to identify the “Big Ideas” in Geography.

The content of each unit and when it is studied is designed to build up in scale to allow students to learn the fundamentals in more familiar contexts initially before learning to apply this knowledge to other environments and places in later years. The units in Year 8 allow students to learn about the geography of place on two separate continents, whilst the Year 9 curriculum tests students’ ability to apply their prior learning to a global context before starting the GCSE course. The topics that are currently studied are:

Year 7

  • Earth’s Story
  • The Best of the British Isles
  • UK Coasts
  • UK Weather

Year 8

  • The Climate Crisis
  • The USA
  • The Himalayas

Year 9

  • The Power of the Planet
  • Perceptions of our Planet
  • Sustainable management of the Oceans
  • Extreme Environments
  • The Anthropocene and the Future of Geography

KS4

Specification – AQA – Geography (8035)

Who this course is suitable for

This course is perfect for students who are curious about the world and want to understand the connections between people, places, and environments. Whether you’re interested in natural landscapes, urban development, or environmental conservation, this subject offers something for everyone.

What you will learn

GCSE Geography is divided into three units:

  • Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment. Explore natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis, and study climate change, ecosystems, coasts, and rivers.
  • Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment. Examine urban issues, development, and the challenge of resource management. Focus on resource management, including energy, and gain insights into societal changes in cities like London and Rio de Janeiro.
  • Unit 3: Geographical Applications. Engage in a decision-making exercise using a resource booklet. Develop advanced geographical skills to analyse and evaluate issues. Develop fieldwork and geographical skills through real-world investigations.

How you will learn

Learning in Geography is varied and interactive. You will:

  • Conduct fieldwork to investigate issues like river processes in Beddington Park and urban development in East London.
  • Use modern mapping tools (GIS), interpret photographs, and analyse articles to develop a well-rounded perspective.
  • Participate in debates, group projects, and decision-making exercises.
  • Apply numeracy skills to interpret data, construct graphs, and analyse statistics.
  • Boost your memory with techniques for recalling key case study information.
  • Optional trips, such as a visit to Iceland, will provide hands-on experiences, including hiking volcanoes, exploring glaciers, and bathing in geothermal pools.

What you will need to bring

You will need an exercise book, colouring pencils, a ruler and a calculator. Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for outdoor investigations and an inquisitive mindset will enhance your experience.

How you will be assessed

Assessment is through three components:

  • Unit 1 (35%) Written exam assessing natural hazards, climate, ecosystems, coasts, rivers, and geographical skills.
  • Unit 2 (35%) Written exam focusing on urban issues, development, resource management, and geographical skills.
  • Unit 3 (30%) A decision-making exercise, fieldwork questions based on familiar and unfamiliar fieldwork, and geographical skills.

Where next

GCSE Geography opens pathways to A-level Geography and other related subjects. It supports careers in environmental science, urban planning, international relations, conservation, and cartography. The skills you develop—critical thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving—are highly valued in a wide range of fields, making geography a versatile and rewarding choice.

KS5

Specification – OCR – Geography (H481)

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for students with a passion for understanding the Earth’s dynamic processes and the impact of human activities on the planet. It suits those who are curious about both scientific processes like climate change and hydrology, as well as societal issues like migration and urban development. This course is recommended for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Geography, but a passion for the subject is the most important factor.

What you will learn

A Level Geography offers an in-depth exploration of new and exciting topics, as well as extending your knowledge of key concepts introduced at GCSE level. You will study both physical and human geography, developing research, analytical, and problem-solving skills that are essential for understanding today’s world.

Key areas of study include:

  • Physical Systems: Understanding landscape systems, water and carbon cycles, and Earth’s life support systems.
  • Human Interactions: Exploring global connections, changing spaces, and human impact on the environment.
  • Geographical Debates: Engaging with two contemporary global issues such as the future of food, disease dilemmas, and hazardous earth.
  • Investigative Geography: Conducting an independent research project, allowing you to explore an area of personal interest.

How you will learn

You will learn through a mix of classroom lessons, fieldwork, and independent research. The course includes practical opportunities for fieldwork, including a compulsory residential field trip to Spain to develop skills for the non-examined assessment. Fieldwork helps you to apply geographical theories to real-world scenarios. You will have access to a dedicated Geography resource area with a library and ICT suite.

What you will need to bring

A curiosity about the world and a willingness to engage in both physical and human geographical studies are essential. You will also need to take part in fieldwork activities, so appropriate outdoor clothing for field trips is required. A notebook and a calculator will be helpful for data collection and analysis.

How you will be assessed

The course is assessed through a combination of written exams and coursework:

  • Component 1 (Physical Systems): 22% of the A Level, 1-hour 30-minute written exam.
  • Component 2 (Human Interactions): 22% of the A Level, 1-hour 30-minute written exam.
  • Component 3 (Geographical Debates): 36% of the A Level, 2-hour 30-minute written exam.
  • Component 4 (Investigative Geography): Independent coursework based on fieldwork, a 3,000-4,000 word report (20% of A Level).

Where next

A Level Geography is highly regarded in Higher Education, recognized as a part-STEM subject and often paired with Science, Mathematics, Economics, Business and the Humanities. Geography students develop a broad set of skills, making them attractive to universities and employers in sectors such as environmental science, law, politics, finance, research, and urban planning. Geography offers flexible career pathways, with graduates working in fields as diverse as business and finance, science and the environment, technology, teaching, government and international development.