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Geography Department
Geography is concerned with the study of places, the human and physical processes that shape them and the people who live in them. It helps students make sense of their surroundings and the wider world.
Geography at St Catherine’s is balanced between the study of the natural world and also the environments created by humans. The course also aims to discuss important issues that will impact on students lives such as global warming, overpopulation and poverty.
The department aims to provide a stimulating and rewarding geographical experience for all, and help students become thoughtful geographers and independent thinkers. There are many cross curricular links to subjects such as Science, Maths and R. E and a wide range of skills are taught including map reading, graph interpretation and the use of diagrams and statistics in evaluating information.
What do Students Study in Geography
Geography is taught to all Years in Key Stage 3 in two 45 minute lessons per week. There is also one homework task a week. It is taught in separate units that culminate in assessments that range from tests to video presentations and role plays.
The following units are covered:
- Year 7: Introduction to Geography, Mapskills, Rivers and Floods, Weather and Climate.
- Year 8: Japan, Tourism, Ecosystems, Urban Issues.
- Year 9: Plate Tectonics, Development, Population Issues, Environmental Issues.
Geography has proved to be a popular option choice for GCSE and there 135 minutes of Geography lessons a week. The department has moved onto the new AQA-A syllabus in 2010 and this allows modular exams in both Year 10 and 11. There is a controlled assessment coursework task that is completed at the start of Year 11.
The following units are covered:
- Year 10: Coasts, Rivers and Plate Tectonics.
- Year 11: Urban Issues, Development and Globalisation.
Every student in Key Stage 4 will have a choice to go on a range of field trips of varying duration and expense. There is a 4 day trip to Iceland, a weekend trip to Dorset and a afternoon local field trip.
Geography is taught in a specialist classroom and wide use is made of a range of teaching techniques so that all students can achieve their potential.
