Embedded Files
We aim to instill an awe and wonder of the world around us and an understanding of the processes, both natural and human, which are changing and shaping our planet. We want students to become well informed citizens so they can contribute successfully at a local, national and global scale, developing the ability to express their own viewpoints on geographical issues and events.
We aim to instill an awe and wonder of the world around us and an understanding of the processes, both natural and human, which are changing and shaping our planet. We want students to become well informed citizens so they can contribute successfully at a local, national and global scale, developing the ability to express their own viewpoints on geographical issues and events.
We live in a fast changing world. As Michael Palin said, “Geography illuminates the past, explains the present and prepares us for the future – what could be more important than that?”
We live in a fast changing world. As Michael Palin said, “Geography illuminates the past, explains the present and prepares us for the future – what could be more important than that?”
Our curriculum builds on the connections students identify at the start of Year 7. Whether these are local or more global in nature, we want students to recognise their place in the world and to develop an empathy for others.
Our curriculum builds on the connections students identify at the start of Year 7. Whether these are local or more global in nature, we want students to recognise their place in the world and to develop an empathy for others.
Skills taught in Year 7 are revisited in Year 8 in different contexts, allowing students to study a range of contrasting places. Appreciating that change happens both over space and time is something that we explore throughout, as well as understanding the big ideas of causality and interdependence. There are many opportunities to research and practice information gathering and mapping skills to ensure students are well prepared for future studies. For example, students complete fieldwork enquiries in Totnes and along the local coastline.
We use a carefully selected mix of formative and summative assessment to help guide students on how to improve, culminating in decision making tasks at the end of each year. These tasks allow students to develop a critical understanding of a controversial issue. They consider a range of options, before reaching a well informed view about what should happen for a more ‘sustainable’ and ‘socially just’ future.
Beyond the classroom
Beyond the classroom
Each year group has the opportunity to participate in fieldwork. Year 7 visit Galmpton and Totnes, year 8 conduct a comparative study of local beaches, year 9 visit The Eden Project, year 10 conduct a fieldwork enquiry at Dawlish Warren and Year 11 visit Exeter.
The Geography Department are involved with The South Devon Geographical Association which includes a calendar of lectures for sixth-form students and the annual Worldwise Quiz for students in years 8-10. Students also get the opportunity to go to events at the University of Plymouth.
Sixth form
Sixth form
At A Level students are exposed to a range of fieldwork locations. Year 12 become learning leaders with our Year 8 students, helping them conduct their coastal fieldwork enquiry. They also visit locations across Torbay, Plymouth, the Dorset Coastline and Start Bay.
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