Geography - Key Stage 3

Introduction

The study of Geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on students’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.

Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of this. Students learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography inspires students to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.

Key Concepts

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of Geography. Students need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding.
  • Place.
  • Space.
  • Scale.
  • Interdependence.
  • Physical and Human Processes.
  • Environmental Interaction and Sustainable Development.
  • Cultural Understanding and Diversity.

Key Processes

These are the essential skills and processes in Geography that students need to learn to make progress.
  • Geographical enquiry.
  • Fieldwork and out of class learning.
  • Graphicacy and visual literacy.
  • Geographical communication.

Setting arrangements and amount of curriculum time

Key Stage 3 Geography classes are taught once a week, each lesson lasting one hour.

Students are set according to teaching groups that have been generated from their primary school transfer data. Throughout the year the Geography department will assess each student to see whether they are placed correctly in the teaching group information is then passed onto the Head of Year.

Assessment

At the beginning of Year 7 each student will undertake a baseline assessment in Geography. This will provide information as to what National Curriculum level the student is starting at as she enters Key Stage 3.

During Key Stage 3 formative assessment will take place using the following:

  • Classwork exercises and discussion.
  • Homework e.g. research, questions, posters, definitions, models etc.

Summative assessment will take the form of:
  • End of topic assessments. These will be in a variety of forms from tests to role-plays and information pamphlets.
  • The end of year summer examination.

Marking

Each piece of assessment has clear guidelines for students to achieve the top grades. A piece of homework will be given a letter grade along with a teacher comment.

Homework

Homework is set at the end of every lesson. Some homework will generate a mark or comment while others might be in the form of research or data/information collection homework. It is expected that all homework will be completed to the set deadline.

Curriculum Opportunities

During Key Stage 3 students will be offered the following opportunities that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the concepts, processes and content of the subject.

  • Build on and expand their personal experiences of geography.
  • Explore real and relevant contemporary contexts.
  • Use a range of approaches to enquiries.
  • Use varied resources, including maps, visual media and geographical information systems.
  • Undertake fieldwork investigations in different locations outside the classroom, individually and as part of a team.
  • Participate in informed responsible action in relation to geographical issues that affect them and those around them.
  • Examine geographical issues in the news.
  • Investigate important issues of relevance to the UK and globally using a range of skills, including ICT.
  • Make links between Geography and other subjects, including citizenship and ICT, and areas of the curriculum including sustainability and the global dimension. 

Extra - curricular opportunities

Geography Action Week
World Wise Quiz Club
Geography area on the school internet

Main texts used - Copies of all books can be found in the LRC

Atlas
Foundations, Connections, and Interactions – all by David Waugh
Key Skills – Tony Bushell