The Humanities Curriculum Area is built around a strong team of dedicated and experienced staff who share an on-going commitment to quality teaching and the improvement of standards. We strongly believe that the humanities form the very basis of what it is to be a balanced and conscientious individual and through our compassionate and supportive team we strive to deliver a broad curriculum that encapsulates the World’s story of past, present and future. Through the study of Geography, we look to not only equip our students with knowledge of the world around them but also equip them with the necessary skills to become inquisitive and rational human beings.
Students at KS3 learn about a wide range of geographical themes and concepts. Throughout KS3 students gain a varied and broad understanding of both physical and human geography and how they interrelate and interconnect. Students also investigate specific issues in relation to place-based and theme-bases topics such as Africa and Hazardous World. The KS3 curriculum is both challenging and engaging for students and has been successful in preparing students for GCSE and A Level qualifications.
Some of the topics studied at KS3 include: Restless Earth, Roaring Rivers, Forbidden Places, Coastal Threats, Climate Change, The Geography of Health and Expanding Cities. With an ever-changing world, our KS3 curriculum evolves continuously and is kept refreshed, contemporary and relevant for our students.
At GCSE students will be taught the Edexcel Geography A Specification “Geographical Themes and Challenges”. This involves three exam papers consisting of a Physical Geography paper, a Human Geography paper, and a Geographical Investigations paper which will be based on geographical issues plus the fieldwork students will undertake at the River Burbage and in Bakewell.
Themes within the Geography GCSE are Changing Landscapes of the UK, Coastal Landscapes and Processes, River Landscapes and Processes, Weather Hazards and Climate Change, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management, Changing Cities, Global Development, Water Resource Management, Fieldwork and UK Challenges.
Link to exam board specification - http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/geography-a-2016.html
At AS/A Level students will be taught the Edexcel Specification. This involves two exams consisting of a Physical paper and a Human paper for the AS or three exams consisting of a Physical paper, a Human paper and a Synoptic Investigation paper as well as a 3000-4000 word Independent Investigation for the A level.
Themes for Geography AS/A Level are Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, Globalisation and Regenerating Places for AS Level. In addition, the A Level includes the Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, the Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity, Superpowers and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty as well as the Independent Investigation. Students must complete at least 2 full days of fieldwork for the AS Level and at least 4 full days for the A Level.
Link to the exam board specification - https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html
