Geography studies how people and the environment interact, how people interact with and affect the natural world but also how the natural world affects people, whether by natural disaster or weather and climate.
Geography helps you make sense of the world you live in. Why are there such differences in development between countries? Why is where we live changing? How is the UK and the world changing? What about the future?
At University, Geography can be studied as a science, social science or Arts subject. Geography makes links with most subjects. It helps you see the connections in a complicated world. Geography leads to a wide range of careers as Geography is about problem solving.
The Geography classroom is also the great outdoors. Fieldwork means team work, it means investigating, analysing and drawing conclusions. All are vital and important skills.
I enjoy the variety of topics studied. It's very interesting to find out about events and problems in other Countries, and how they are being solved. Sam Y11
Geography is really fun, because you get to find out about the world. From natural occurrences such as waterfalls and floods, to learning about different areas of the world, you get to find out loads! It's really interesting, as you start to understand the way that things work and form. We have learnt how to locate areas on maps, such as by stating which rivers or cities are nearby, which is useful as map skills are something that it sometimes needed when you get lost. I would encourage you to pick geography because you get to learn about the world, some of the threats that are facing the Earth today, and because you might learn some new skills! Erin Y10
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 - All Pathways |
How have human and physical processes shaped the UK? |
What drives weather and climate? |
How does a river change from source to mouth? What is the flood risk to TGS school? |
| Year 8 - All Pathways | River processes and flooding issues | Development & the rise of China | Coasts: landforms, processes and defences. |
| Year 9 - All Pathways | Global climate change & its impacts | Localised impacts of tourism |
Global challenges: population & the geography of health |
Students learning will be assessed by:
Year 7 will initially complete a geographical knowledge and skills baseline assessment. Each term they will complete an end of topic test to show their understanding and their ability to evaluate and justify decisions. They will complete a brief fieldwork report in the summer term on the flood risk to TGS. At the end of the year, they will complete an exam.
Year 8 will complete extended writing pieces on different flood events in High and Low income countries to show understanding but also ability to evaluate and justify solutions. They will complete extended writing on population issues facing China, an evaluation of the air quality challenge in China and the case for and against the 3 Gorges Dam. Year 8 will complete a fieldwork report on Felixstowe’s sea defences and potential regeneration.
Year 9 will complete extended writing on population issues facing India, also a piece on inequality in Mumbai. Students will write an essay on an infectious disease. An evaluation of the impact of climate change on the UK.
Geography
GCSE
Course Leader: Mrs A Winsbury-Cutts
Contact Email: awinsbury-cutts@tgschool.net
Examination Board: Current Year 10 (2024-2026) AQA
Current Year 11 (2023-2025) WJEC Eduqas B
Assessment: 100% examination.
Why should I study this subject at Key Stage 4?
Geography is about understanding the world we live in and our impact on it. There is no more relevant time to study it.
What does the course involve?
You will study three units which cover:
● Changing Places – Changing Economies. Here students will cover key ideas such as 'urbanisation in contrasting global cities' and 'global development issues.'
● Changing Environments. Here students may cover ideas such as flooding, coastal erosion ‘extreme weather’ and examine 'climate change – cause and effect'
● Environmental Challenges: Here students cover ideas such as 'ecosystems under threat,’ ‘desertification' and ‘water shortage and drought.’
Exam 1 will cover all 3 themes while Exam 2 will adopt a problem-solving approach to a contemporary geographical issue. Exam 3 will test geographical skills and will be based on a minimum of 2 days of fieldwork from a human and physical geography context.
Differences from Year 9
GCSE Geography is a demanding, rigorous, and academic course, with an emphasis on extended writing, thinking skills and the application of geographical knowledge. Some of the content studied at Key Stage 3 will be developed further but many of the topics will be new.
Skills developed.
As a geographer, you will learn to use a wide range of resources, data analysis, maps, and GIS. You will understand processes and to discuss issues and understand different points of view, justify your opinions, and evaluate as well as offer solutions to problems both in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. Fieldwork will develop teamwork and report writing skills.
Studying Geography at Sixth Form
Students can continue studying geography as an A Level here at Thomas Gainsborough School.
Department Staff
| Mr K Callaghan | Teacher of Geography | Contact |
| Mrs E Jukes (EJU) | Head of Chamberlain House | Contact |
| Mrs J Perkins-Taylor (JPT) | Teacher of Humanities | Contact |
| Mr M Watkins (MWA) | Teacher of Geography | Contact |
| Mrs Winsbury-Cutts (AWC) | Head of Georgraphy | Contact |
