Geography

Length of Course : This is the third 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 the Year 9 Geography course is to further broaden the Human and Physical Geographical knowledge of the students at a world scale. The topics aim to look at real world issues, and explore the future of some of the emerging nations in the world. Skills at this level now explore in depth the concept of sustainability. Students are encouraged to learn to think about their place in the world, and to critically evaluate the roles of others, whether they be national governments or individual members of society. Students also further enhance their understanding of the geographical enquiry process.

Main concepts and topics covered

Topic 1: Resources

Student learn about resources, their uses, resource issues and sustainability.

[1] The stuff we use

[2] Resources Forever

[3] Power to the people

[4] Black gold Russia’s oil

[5] Something fishy going on

[6] A net result

[7] Diamonds are forever?

[8] Sierra Leone’s resource curse

[9] Made to last?

[10] Costing the earth

Topic 2: Glaciation

Students study some of the most influential physical processes that have shaped out planet.

[1] Glacial scale

[2] Moving the earth

[3] Go with the snow flow

[4] Life in the extreme

[5] The ups and downs of our climate

[6] Erratic evidence

[7] The impact of ice

[8] Destination deep freeze

[9] Arctic arguments

[10] Ice-free implications

Topic 3: Development

Students study a range of issues globally associated with development.

[1] Defining development

[2] Measuring development

[3] Varying development

[4] Development factors

[5] Changing development

[6] Equal development

[7] The scale of development

[8] Cost-effective development

[9] Supporting development

[10] Development roles

Topic 4: Ecosystems

1. What are the characteristics and distribution patterns of biomes?

2. What processes and adaptations take place in tropical rainforests?

3. How are tropical rainforests under threat?

4. How can tropical rainforests be sustainably managed?

5. What changes are taking place in savanna grasslands?

6. How do hot deserts compare?

7. What changes are taking place in boreal forests?

Course outcome

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 3 different data collection points will include formative and summative assessments.

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 – centred’ 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.