We ensure that the Geography curriculum is intellectually challenging and relevant to Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School students. We establish a stimulating environment, which inspires students’ love of geography and promotes high quality learning in the classroom. Students of all academic abilities develop an understanding of Geography relevant to their individual potential. 

We encourage questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. We provide context in light of the growing importance of global issues such as; climate change, migration, environmental degradation, spatial epidemiology and inequalities. We also discuss the importance of recognising the gift of our planet in addition to the concepts of stewardship and sustainability. 

Enquiry based learning is key. In our curriculum, we ensure students develop high level thinking skills, such as critical thinking and evaluation so that they can investigate the issues for the present and the future.  They will explore all scales; personal, local and global. All geographers will continually develop their knowledge and skills in order to reach their full potential.

As staff, we are passionate and considered with the ambition that our students are enthusiastic and inspired.

Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 3

Programme of Study

Geography aims to inspire in students a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. This course provides students with an understanding of the Earth's key physical and human processes.

Over the two years, the students will study the following:

• Our World
• Settlements
• Ecosystems
• Rivers and Flooding
• Antarctica
• ‘There is no Planet B’
• Coastal Landscapes
• Climate Change
• Population
• Natural Hazards
• Globalisation
• Disease

Learning/Teaching Approach

Students will develop skills:

• which build on their use of globes, maps and atlases, thus improving their locational awareness
• which build on their ability to construct and interpret graphs, charts and diagrams
• which support their development in literacy and numeracy
• which use fieldwork in contrasting locations to collect analyse and draw conclusions from Geographical data

Assessment

Students will be assessed in a range of ways which include:

• End of topic tests
• Educake Assignments (Online Learning Platform)
• Geographical enquires
• Projects e.g. ‘There is no Planet B’ -Current Issues
• Newspaper reports
• Class presentations

Key Stage 4

'The world is always changing; Geography gives students the chance to learn about these changes.'

Students will travel the world from the classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Rio and throughout the world. Students are encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

Qualification: GCSE

Awarding Body and Paper: AQA 8035

Programme of Study /Learning/Teaching Approach

• Paper 1:- Living with the physical environment
  This unit will build on skills taught in Years 7 and 8 and provide the opportunity to develop more advanced skills. Students will learn about the living world, natural hazards and the physical landscape of the UK.
• Paper 2:- Challenges in the human environment
  Students will study the topics of urban issues and challenges, the changing economic world, and the challenge of resource management.
• Paper 3:- Geographical applications
  Students will undertake fieldwork, an issue evaluation task and build on their geographical skills – including those of map work, graphic skills, GIS skills and ICT skills.

Assessment

• Paper 1:- Written exam: 1hour 30 minutes (35%) Includes multiple-choice, short answer and extended prose style of questions.
• Paper 2:- Written exam: 1hour 30 minutes (35%) Includes multiple-choice, short answer and extended prose style of questions.
• Paper 3:- Written exam: 1hour (30%) Includes multiple-choice, short answer and extended prose style of questions.

Key Stage 5

‘Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future’

Students will be exploring current issues, different concepts, new countries and be delving further into understanding that our planet is truly a gift. Students will be challenged intellectually, encouraged to use their investigative skills and explore independent work.

Qualification: A Level

Awarding Body and Paper: AQA 7037

Programme of Study /Learning/Teaching Approach

• Paper 1:- Physical Geography
  This unit will consist of the following topics: Water & Carbon Cycles, Coastal Systems and Landscapes and Hazards.
• Paper 2:- Human Geography
  This unit will consist of the following topics: Global Systems & Governance, Changing Places and Contemporary Urban Environments
• NEA:- Geography Fieldwork Investigation
  To fulfil the requirements of the AQA A Level Geography course, all students are required to undertake an independent investigation relating to an aspect of the specification. This is selected and developed by the student, with the guidance and support of the department. 

Assessment

• Paper 1:- Written exam: 2hour 30 minutes (40%) Includes multiple-choice, short answer and extended prose style of questions.
• Paper 2:- Written exam: 2hour 30 minutes (40%) Includes multiple-choice, short answer and extended prose style of questions.
• NEA:- Non-Examined Assessment/ Coursework: (20%) 3000-4000 words, 60 marks, marked by teachers, moderated by AQA.

What it can lead to
Geographers often have an interest in the following career areas: Town planning, environmental management, meteorology, surveying, agriculture, transport planning, travel, marketing and education.

Additional Points

Geography traditionally spans the Arts and Sciences and because of the diversity of the subject, it is highly regarded by employers. However, Geography is enjoyed as a subject in its own right, and it enables students to follow a very wide range of career choices.

Tier of Entry

Single Tier