Geography

Aims

  • To develop pupil knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts such as sustainability.
  • To allow pupils to appreciate differing opinions on issues such as climate change.
  • To develop their responsibilities as both local and as global citizens.
  • To apply their learning to the real world through the use of case studies.
  • To develop confidence in themselves through fieldwork.
  • To nurture individual creativity and encourage independent thinking.
  • To develop a range of skills that are useful across the school curriculum as well as being highly sought after by universities and employers.

Staffing

Mrs Robertson (Head of Department)
Mrs K Barr
Mrs Whitford

Subject Overview

Geography is a fascinating subject which describes our Earth and asks us to question the world around us. It looks at the relationships that exist between the physical world and humanity. 

Key Stage 3

In Junior school the emphasis is on developing a sense of place through the use of geographical skills and highlighting their importance within society. The main content for each year group is:

Year 8

  • What is Geography?
  • Where do I live?
  • Changing World of Work
  • Food Miles
  • Fieldtrip to Streamvale Farm

Year 9

  • Rivers
  • Recycling
  • Weather & Climate
  • Atlas Skills
  • Recycling event with Arc21 and ANDBC

Year 10

  • Ecosystems
  • Tropical Rainforests
  • OS Maps
  • Hazards
  • Geography & Careers
  • Development

Key Stage 4

GCSE Geography is a popular choice of subject at Glenlola. Pupils follow the CCEA specification and are allocated three periods every week. Pupils participate in a residential field study at Magilligan Field Centre in preparation for GCSE Unit 3. The GCSE course consists of the following units:

Year 11

  • Population & Migration
  • The Restless Earth
  • Changing Urban Areas
  • River Environments

Year 12

  • River study – Curly Burn River
  • Coastal Environments
  • Our Changing Weather & Climate
  • Managing our Environment
  • Contrasts in World Development

Our students sit their GCSE external examinations at the end of Year 12.

Key Stage 5

Team Teaching is used to deliver the CCEA Specification with three teachers specialising in the three areas of the course. The following topics are taught at AS and A2:

AS LEVEL

  • Fluvial environments
  • Biomes & small-scale ecosystems
  • Atmospheric Processes
  • Fieldwork
  • Population
  • Settlement
  • Development
  • Skills and Techniques

A2 LEVEL

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Dynamic Coastal Environments
  • Planning for Sustainable Settlements
  • Tourism
  • Decision Making

http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/geography/

Career Opportunities

The skills and knowledge you gain from studying Geography at GCSE, and beyond, are relevant to almost all jobs and workplaces.

Geography can lead to a wide range of careers such as urban planning, cartography, GIS applications, teaching, climatology, hydrography, environmental management, weather forecasting, journalism, landscape architecture, surveying, aerial photography, travel & tourism, banking, commerce.

Of course many pupils use their school geography as a way of showing their general ability. In this way, it is a good qualification and can lead to employment in most types of job, and can help you to qualify for entrance to many further courses at school, college or university.