Geography Department

Introduction

A study of Geography intends to encourage curiosity about our world. The varied topics studied at The Downs School present exciting views of environments in different countries. The way in which mankind has learnt to adapt, exploit and enjoy these environments are portrayed through a variety of interactive teaching methods. Problems arising from these issues and the challenges of sustainable living are the subjects of wide ranging discussions.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork plays a vital role in the Geography course of each Key stage. These range from local settlement, farm and river studies to residential trips in North Devon and on the south coast.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

• Map reading skills
• Settlement
• Rivers
• Kenya

 

Year 8

• Tectonic Activity
• Weather, Climate and ecosystems
• Japan

 

Year 9

• Population
• Development
• Coasts

GCSE

At KS4 students follow the AQA A specification. Assessment is based on 75% examination (2 papers) and 25% individual coursework.

Topics covered include:

• Tectonic Activity
• Rocks and Landscapes
• Rivers
• Settlement
• Agriculture
• Managing Resources

Fieldtrips

All GCSE Geography students will have the opportunity to participate in two fieldtrips.

Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level

Course aims

The ‘A’ level Geography course aims to increase students’ understanding of physical and human Geography relation to their environment. The course aims to develop written, oral and fieldwork skills, with students learning how to understand and formulate opinions on the implications of development and change in the human and natural world.

Entry Requirements

The ‘A’ level requires a GCSE grade ‘B’ of above in Geography. Candidates must be willing to meet deadlines, involve themselves in fieldwork and have a genuine interest in current affairs world wide.

Course content

Students follow the AQA A specification at ‘A’ level. The topics covered show theinteraction between humans and their physical environment.
 During Year 12 students will study:

• Settlement Processes
• Energy and Life
• Climatic Hazards
• Economic Activity
• Water on the land
• Population Dynamics

In Year 13 many of these ideas are developed further as the course content includes:

• Coasts
• Cold environments
• Population pressure and resource management
• Recreation and tourism

All students at ‘A’ level will have the opportunity to participate in two residential fieldtrips.

Assessment

There are 5 examined modules over the 2 years and one externally marked individual enquiry worth 20% of the A level.

AS
Module 1: Core Concepts in Physical Geography
Module 2: Core Concepts in Human Geography
Module 3: Geographical skills 

A2
Module 4: Challenge and Change in the Physical Environment 
Module 5: Challenge and Change in the Human Environment  
Module 6: Individual coursework enquiry

Careers and Higher Education Opportunities

Geography is one of the most flexible subjects as it is regarded as both an art and a science subject by many universities. It will combine with most other subjects and the skills of investigation, presentation and written work support other disciplines. Careers pathways with a ‘science’ bias include working for the environment agency, surveying, geology and civil engineering. Geography combined with art subjects can lead to careers in tourism, urban planning and development. Geography graduates also work as architects, cartographers, accountants, estate managers, community workers and teachers