Geography
Head of Department: Ms G. Briody
Studying geography gives students the opportunity to travel the world via the classroom, learning about both natural and social sciences along the way! Geography helps students makes sense of the dynamic and ever-changing world around them.
At St. Aloysius’ College we provide a broad and balanced Geography curriculum that allows students to explore and investigate various concepts and themes that are both traditional and contemporary in nature, and that exist both globally and locally. The key dimensions of the study of Geography entails: physical, human and environmental, and the connections and interaction between them. Studying Geography further aids our students in developing their literacy and numeracy via extended writing, analytical and interpretive skills, and practical fieldwork in and around London. Students throughout all year groups participate in relevant fieldwork studies to develop key practical skills. Through their Geography studies we aim to enable our students to be socially, economically, politically and environmentally aware.
Key Stage 3
All students in years 7 and 8 study Geography. KS3 aims to develop key geographical skills; interpreting a variety of information (maps, globes, photographs and Geographical Information Systems GIS), communicating geographical information through a range of techniques, and collecting, analysing and reporting data. Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of globally significant locations and the processes involved in the world’s physical and human geographical features.
In Year 7 students will explore Asia, Africa and the UK, learning about their physical geography, population, development and economy. Students will also discover the processes and features of rivers, geology, soil, and extreme environments (Ice Age, glaciers, etc).
During year 8 students will learn about weather and climate concepts and processes, discovering their causes, effects and responses. Students will gain an in depth understanding of the formation, processes and management involved in Earth’s geology (time scale, plate tectonics and volcanoes and earthquakes), coasts (formation and management processes and strategies), and the ecosystem (adaptations, deforestation and importance of preservation).
Key Stage 4
Students can choose to pick Geography as their GCSE humanities subject. There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography with growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion. The course will give students a chance to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world, and to understand the social, economic and physical forces and processes which shape and change it. The Geography Department teaches the AQA Geography syllabus, which prepares students using both a traditional approach as well as examining contemporary issues.
The course is a good mix of topics such as urban issues, world development, extreme environments, rivers and hazards – to name but a few! It is very practical, with opportunities to learn and develop new skills such as modern computer based mapping (GIS), maps skills, interesting photographs, fieldworks skills, presenting, role play and debating techniques. Students will be able to improve their literacy through report writing and written work, and make practical use of their numeracy skills when interpreting data and constructing graphs. Throughout KS4 students will undertake multiple field trips to put their studies into practice, enhancing their understanding of topics and developing their practical skills.
In year 9 students will cover; the challenges of natural hazards, urban issues and challenges, and UK physical landscapes focussing on rivers.
Year 10 students will continue to develop their studies of UK Rivers, and explore the changing economic world, the living world (ecosystems, rainforests and desserts), UK physical landscapes focusing on coasts.
Students in Year 11 will further build upon their knowledge of UK coasts, and learn about the challenges of resource management before comprehensively reviewing all their GCSE studies in preparation for their exams.
For a more detailed explanation of the GCSE course and assessment format please click here.
For a more detailed breakdown of the curriculum please see the Curriculum Overview and more details can also be found in the Curriculum Booklet.