‘The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.’ – Barack Obama
The Geography department at The West Grantham Church of England Secondary Academy is passionate about the teaching and learning of Geography because of the profound effects the subject can have on individuals, communities, and the world. Geography helps to establish our place in the world, strengthening our sense of community, appreciation of nature, and broadening our perspectives.
Geography helps people to understand different cultures and ethnicities. Their backgrounds and beliefs. The similarities that we share and the differences that make us special and unique. Understanding important to breaking down stereotypes, discrimination.
There has never been a time more urgent to promote the understanding of our planet and the complex issues it faces. Developing shared responsibility for the Earth is a growing concern and essential to inform a new generation of positive change-makers and
We support the school’s values by developing our students’ Creativity, Responsibility and Wisdom in all of our lessons:
- Creativity is a crucial element in developing the ‘geographic imagination’ needed to understand the complex, conceptual ideas of how the human race interacts with the world that they call home.
- Responsibility for the Earth is a growing issue and in the following generation will be incredibly important for everyone. Developing an understanding of the problems of climate change and potential solutions will be a necessary for all.
- Wisdom is encouraged by exploring other cultures and ways of life, gaining perspectives that help develop empathy and understanding.
Team and roles within the department
Mr Coburn, Teacher of Geography
Mr Thornton, Interim Assistant Headteacher and CTL Humanities
KS3
Developing a deep foundational knowledge of the world, is the main focus for Key Stage 3 Geography at Bluecoat Meres. Knowledge that stretches around the globe, from the river systems of the UK, to the Diamond mines of Africa. An understanding of the structure of the Earth and the movement of its tectonic plates, to the delicately balanced ecosystems of the amazon rainforest. This knowledge is compounded with the development of important geographic skills that enable pupils to access further understanding and equip pupils with the tools they will need for GCSE.
KS4
Exam board – AQA Geography (8035)
3 x Exam papers:
- Paper 1: Living with the physical environment
- Paper 2: Challenges in the Human environment
- Paper 3: Geographical Applications
19 March 2020 Issue Evaluation release date
18 May 2020 Geography GCSE Paper 1
3 June 2020 Geography GCSE Paper 2
11 June 2020 Geography GCSE Paper 3
Unit 1: Living with the physical environment
- The challenge of natural hazards
- The living world
- Physical landscapes in the UK
- Geographical skills
Unit 2: Challenges in the human environment
- Urban issues and challenges
- The changing economic world
- The challenge of resource management
- Geographical skills
Unit 3: Geographical applications and skills
- Issue evaluation
- Decision making exercise
- Fieldwork
- Geographical skills
Enrichment
Please click here for more information of our enrichment timetable.
Useful websites
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zy3ptyc – GCSE Bitesize Geography, very good revision resource.
https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Subject=Geography&Type=Free – SENECA an excellent revision resource.
https://www.geography.org.uk – The Geographic Association, is leaders in the field of Geographic study.
https://www.rgs.org – The Royal Geographic Society, are the UK’s premier geography source, with ground-breaking research and an insight into the future of Geography.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com
Please see your teacher for further resource links.
