Geography

The course begins in Year 7 with the study of East Kent, our local area. Topics like our daily journey to school, the school environment, the importance of East Kent and Dover Harbour are covered, as well as rivers and coasts. Teaching is based on the development of sound map reading skills. Local fieldwork is also carried out. In Year 8 we look further afield to study Britain in the context of the European Union. In Year 9 we branch out even further and examine Britain in a wider, global context, paying attention to both developed and developing regions of the world.

Pupils are encouraged to develop an interest in the world in which they live; to become aware of environmental problems we face and to see how complex are the ways to overcome these difficulties. In a rapidly changing world we think it is important our students realise how much we depend on our environment and our responsibility to look after it.

Geographical skills, such as those needed to make observations in the field, to gather and record information, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret data, are all developed. This is especially the case in GCSE (Key Stage 4) when an intensive three days of local fieldwork is conducted. We deal with the different ways geographical information may be mapped and presented, along with the skills needed to communicate knowledge clearly.

AS level is modular and focuses on coastal and fluvial environments, as well as both urban and rural areas. Three days of local study in the first half of the first term prepares students for an Environmental Investigation, which is the sole piece of coursework.

In A2 the emphasis is on global challenges, looking at natural hazards, health and welfare, as well as recreation and sport. Other modules cover weather and ecosystems while a third studies economic geography.