Geography is the study of the earth's landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.
Our world is changing and people have an important role in that change. Geography explains the changes and helps to prepare people. It is a subject about now and the future.
As Michael Portch explains, "Geography brings us all down to earth. It gives other subjects a sense of place. We create our geography and yet we are affected by geography".
Staff
- Mrs J Wylie - Head of Department
- Mr A Bleakley
- Mr P Dawson
Department Aims
The Geography Department aims to equip all pupils with a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to help them make sense of our complex and changing world. The study of Geography explains how places and landscapes are formed and how people and environments interact. In Geography we investigate the physical and human environment using a range of techniques and teaching strategies including enquiry, decision-making, active-learning approaches and fieldwork opportunities.
Skills
Through the study of Geography students have the opportunity to improve their skills in:
- Numeracy, including graphs and statistics
- Literacy
- Communication
- Map-reading
- Data collection
- Problem solving
- Group work
- Decision making
Department Aims
The Geography Department aims to equip all pupils with a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to help them make sense of our complex and changing world. The study of Geography explains how places and landscapes are formed and how people and environments interact. In Geography we investigate the physical and human environment using a range of techniques and teaching strategies including enquiry, decision-making, active-learning approaches and fieldwork opportunities.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an important component of the Geography curriculum at all levels. During Key Stage Three pupils experience fieldwork around the local area and school environment. They also visit a local quarry. GCSE students undertake a fieldwork expedition at the Magilligan Field Centre where they participate in a river study collecting data from the Curly Burn River. AS students also undertake fieldwork from the Magilligan Field Centre. Their focus is on sand dune succession at the Umbra Sand Dune System.
Curriculum
Geography is studied by all pupils at Key Stage Three and is a popular optional subject at GCSE, AS and A2 level.