Geography

Length of Course : This is the second year of the Key Stage 3 Geography course

Course description

Geography will encourage students to develop a sense of place and an understanding of the world on a local, regional and global scale. It also develops an understanding of interactions between people and their environments through enquiry based investigations of geographical issues. The syllabus is based on the National Curriculum for England with an international twist which is tailored to our student community.

Course Aims

The aim of geography in Year 8 is to provide students with a more in depth understanding of the human and physical processes that shape our earth, and to understand why the interaction of humans in their environment is such a fragile balance, underpinned by the concept of sustainability. In this year, the students develop their geographical skills further through us if IT and classroom resources. They also will start to develop an understanding of geographical enquiry processes through a fieldwork investigation in the desert.

Main concepts and topics covered

Topic 1: Natural Hazards

1. What are the causes and characteristics of tectonic hazards?

2. What are the impacts of tectonic hazards?

3. How can the risks associated with natural hazards be mitigated against?

4. How do different natural hazards compare?

5. What is the influence of climate change upon natural hazards?

6. How can humans report on natural hazard events?

Topic 2: Geology

1. What happens in the rock cycle?

2. What can fossils teach us about our past?

3. How can geology explain our world?

4. How can humans utilise geological landscapes?

5. How can weathering turn rock into soil?

6. How can geology be researched?

Topic 3: Weather

1. How can we forecast the weather?

2. What is a weather diary?

3. How can we analyse a storm?

4. What are the causes and effects of a dust storm?

5. How can tornadoes be analysed?

6. Why are wildfires on the rise?

Topic 4: Climate

1. How have humans adapted in the hottest place on Earth?

2. What factors combine to make the wettest place on Earth?

3. What is life like in the coldest town on Earth?

Topic 5: Incredible India

1. How is India growing?

2. How diverse is India?

3. How is India changing?

4. What are the impacts of globalisation?

5. How can industries become more sustainable?

6. How can water challenges be overcome?

7. How can tourism become more sustainable?

8. What does the future hold for India?

Course outcomes

Besides acquiring a set of skills, the pupils learn to appreciate the world around them and understand the way it affects their decision-making abilities.

Skills Acquired

• Source analysis including data and graphical interpretation

• Spatial understanding of phenomena

• Time Management

• Decision making

• Critical thinking

• Ability to draw conclusions from the information

• Ability to support my conclusion with facts and reasons

• Independent thought and critical evaluation in all my work

Types of assessment

Assessment will be an on-going process and the overall grade at the five different data collection points will include formative and summative assessments.

Type of Assessment

Examples of work to be assessed:

• Written assignments including essays

• Oral presentations e.g. debate, discussions, quizzes, role-plays.

• Research work on a particular topic/whole project

• Class work and home work

• Board displays by students

• Summative assessments

• Models and charts made by students

• Use of ICT in the learning process (presentations, interactive educational websites and worksheets)

Methodology

Methods used for teaching Geography include:

• Group based enquiries

• Interactive activities

• Class discussions involving the students

• Explanation of concepts by the teacher

• Clarification of key concepts using (PowerPoints, videos, websites)

• ‘Student – centered’ activities like individual presentations

• Role plays

• Projects on relevant topics

• Making of charts, models and videos by the students.

Text and materials

Geography lessons require standard equipment to be brought every lesson including exercise books and laptop computers. Additional stationery is provided by the department, though students are welcome to bring their own. In addition to the lesson resources, each topic is also supported by electronic textbooks for the purpose of further study and revision.

Grading policy

All assessment is criterion referenced and aligned to learning objectives as outlined in teacher’s termly projections. Teachers mark work on the basis of mark schemes made in collaboration with colleagues of the same year group. Formative assessments will be graded according to the school's 9-1 system and grade boundaries set by the department at the time of marking.

Additional expectations

Students are expected to complete homework according to the school homework calendar. Where possible, the Geography Department will seek to provide stimulating, relevant and engaging homework which enables students to explore their own surroundings and apply the knowledge and skills they develop in the classroom to their own locality.