TranslateWhat will we learn in Geography at WGSA?
The aim of the Geography Department at West Grantham is to ensure that all students develop an appreciation of how people interact with the environment around them both local and further afield. In simple terms, Geography is the study of where places are, what they are like and what life is like in them.
Our intention is to help to make students more aware of their global citizenship status. We investigate many issues facing the world today including coastal erosion, the loss of the tropical rainforests, Global warming, globalisation and migration and focus on how we can manage these issues sustainably. These issues, as well as traditional geography, are taught throughout the key stages.
At Key Stage 4 we currently follow AQA GCSE Geography.
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035
How do we encourage students to succeed in Geography at WGSA?
Students are encouraged to use a variety of skills learnt throughout the curriculum and to think like ‘Geographers’! Students always approach topics from a variety of means, thinking about the social and economic issues for example, and building on their learning lesson by lesson. Students are given practical skills and the necessary dialogue to discuss and evaluate current major issues impacting our world and environment.
In geography, we support learners by providing them with sentence starters for extended writing tasks, structure strips for exam style questions and we model paragraphs with the students to demonstrate expectations and develop metacognitive practices.
How do Geography lessons at WGSA help students to prepare for the world of work?
Geography is increasingly recognised by universities and employers as the “must-have subject” as it is academically challenging and compatible with any subject combination. There is natural progression through to A-Level and universities regard it as a “facilitating subject” for any degree course as geographers are highly skilled, versatile and globally aware. Directly linked degrees include Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Geology, Ecology, Earth Sciences, Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics and Politics. Career choices range from Environmental Consultancy, Town Planning, Transport Planner, Tourism, Market Research, Conservation, Environmental Law, Local Government and Green Technology. The list is endless as Geography will only ever create opportunities.
How we promote WGSA’s vision and values in our Geography lessons?
Ambition is at the forefront of everything we do in Geography, encouraging students to understand the world they live in and to show Courage in taking an active role in which they can improve it for generations to come. We have a strong Belief that Geography facilitates essential information and students can demonstrate a true Love of their local environment and beyond. Geography also supports students in developing Integrity and asking the tough questions needed to facilitate change.
