Introduction to Geography Department:
A St. Michael’s Geographer will enquire, question, analyse and debate the world around them; thinking as global citizens, who understand the complexities and demands of the ever-changing modern world. They will be empowered with a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge, which will allow them to enjoy life in all its fullness.
The key knowledge our young people leave us with:
- a comprehensive understanding of the world around them by investigating a range of human, physical and environmental geography topics.
- an appreciation for other areas of the world and the every-changing issues they face.
- a curiosity of the world around them and an enquiring mind.
- equipped to discuss the issues facing the UK and the world as a whole.
- a better steward for the planet and can confidently explain why stewardship and sustainability are so important.
- talk knowledgeably and passionately about the world in which they live and how their actions can help create a fairer and more equitable world for all.
Throughout their studies, pupils will have acquired key disciplinary knowledge e.g. skills in mapwork, literacy, numeracy, data collection and presentation which will assist them in future studies and future careers. Whilst studying geography, pupils will experience a range of different approaches to learning that aim to develop study skills, which will be vital to them when they leave school. They will have opportunities to engage in fieldwork and develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world we live in, allowing them to grow in body, mind and spirit. Furthermore, the current Year 8 and 9 pupils have been offered the opportunity to visit Iceland in February 2025. This will be our second trip to Iceland.
The learning environment in the two dedicated rooms is bright, spacious and well equipped. Lessons are engaging and regularly include opportunities for collaborative learning, where pupils work together to complete projects and presentations, as well as peer assessment. Developing these skills improves their confidence and will benefit them in further education and in the workplace. Learning in geography is enhanced through the use of new technologies such as iPads and ICT resources. We want our pupils to enjoy becoming better learners, effective team workers and better communicators.
In Year 7, pupils build on the map skills they acquired in primary school to gain a deeper understanding. They then explore the UK by investigating the main human and physical features. Pupils will move on to look at the continent of Africa and will focus on Zambia as a case study. Finally, pupils will explore the impacts humans have on the environment and why it is our responsibility to be good stewards.
In Year 8, pupils build on their knowledge of the UK by investigating the UK’s physical landscapes, this includes limestone landscapes (Yorkshire Dales) and glaciated landscapes (Lake District). Pupils then continue with physical geography by looking at river systems along with issues surrounding flooding. Following this pupils will look at population issues. They will compare and contrast the differences between developed and emerging areas and issues surrounding rapid population growth. As we are an island nation, pupils will move on to look at coastal environments and coastal management. Finally, pupils explore issues surrounding globalisation and development. They will also focus on the case study of Saudi Arabia.
At the start of Year 9, pupils visit the honeypot site of Grasmere in the Lake District. On the visit they collect primary data to be analysed in school. Pupils use both primary and secondary data to explore the impacts of tourism on Grasmere and develop important data presentation skills. Next pupils move on to look at the tropical rainforest ecosystem. Here they will gain a deeper understating of the issues surrounding sustainable management of rainforest areas, with a specific focus on the Amazon Rainforest. Pupils then move on to look at volcanic activity where they will gain an understanding of the causes, effects and responses to volcanic eruptions. Finally, pupils will explore the world’s ‘Global Powers’ (BRICS) and contrast their physical and human characteristics. Pupils will focus on China as a case study.
Pupils start their GCSE course at the beginning of year 10 and will follow the Edexcel A specification. This builds on many themes previously taught at KS3 so that pupils gain the breadth and depth of information they need to move on to A level geography should they choose to. Pupils begin year 10 by looking at resource management and issues surrounding energy supply and consumption. Pupils will then move on to look at ecosystems, biodiversity and management. Here they’ll focus specifically on tropical rainforests and deciduous woodlands. Next pupils will move on to coastal landscapes and processes, where their main case study is the Holderness coastline. Finally, pupils end year 10 by looking at changing cities, with a focus on Birmingham and Mexico City. Pupils will also undertake their urban fieldwork in July (Liverpool One) which is a requirement of the paper 3 exam.
Pupils begin year 11 by looking at river landscapes and processes, in addition they will undertake their physical fieldwork in October (River Wyre) which is also a requirement of the paper 3 exam. Once data has been collected from the urban fieldwork study and physical study, pupils will spend time preparing for the paper 3 exam. Next, pupils move on to study weather hazards and climate change, with a focus on tropical cyclones and droughts. Then pupils will learn their last topic which is global development. Finally, pupils will bring together their knowledge from the entire geography curriculum to study challenges facing the UK and how we can overcome them. Pupils will complete three GCSE exam papers at the end of Year 11 (Edexcel Geography A).
Please feel free to look at our long-term plans for further information.
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Geography Learning Schemes
Geography Learning Scheme Yr7
Geography Learning Scheme Yr8
Geography Learning Scheme Yr9
Geography Learning Scheme Yr10
Geography Learning Scheme Yr11