Geography

The Geography curriculum at Danesgate is designed to develop curiosity and wonder in the world around. Students are encouraged to see the world as a Geographer. The curriculum covers the requirements of both the National Curriculum, AQA GCSE Geography and OCR Entry Level Geography.Students investigate a wide range of places and issues from the local area to the global picture. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to see Geography all around them. Local examples are used as often as possible.

We aim to foster a love and understanding of the world around them, thus enabling them to make decisions as responsible global citizens.

Our curriculum is adapted for each setting, be it on a personalised 1:1 basis or in a group setting. Schemes of work are deliberately planned to be flexible to allow the teacher to adopt the best learning styles and approaches with their students.

For students on personalised the curriculum is adapted to meet their learning or health needs whilst still covering the syllabus, a good example of this is the GCSE fieldwork element which requires each student to experience two pieces of fieldwork, one human and one physical.

Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4

At Key Stage we cover the national Curriculum and have started to offer the:

OCR Entry Level Certificate in Geography

In Key Stage 4 we offer the following courses:

OCR Entry Level Certificate in Geography
AQA GCSE Geography

Students studying geography will be examined in three distinct areas and students will sit all exams at the end of Year 11. Paper 1: Living with the physical environment is worth 35% of the final grade. Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment is also worth 35% of the final grade. Finally paper 3: Geographical applications is worth 30% of the final grade and questions you on your fieldtrip experiences and contains an issue evaluation section.

Throughout Key Stage 4, we offer significant opportunities for our students to participate in fieldwork, to help bring geography to life and to extend students’ learning well beyond the classroom. Geography is a subject that delivers and develops a plethora of employability skills sought after by employers and universities alike. These include organisational, analytical skills, verbal and written communication, ICT and research skills. Geography will prepare you for almost any job or course you may wish to do in the future, ranging from international aid worker to transport planner, from accountant to conservation officer.

Exam board

AQA GCSE Geography (8035)

Past papers

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/assessment-resources

Assessments

Students will be given one formal assessment at the end of each unit of work (at least every half term), which will be completed in their assessment book.

Ways to help my child succeed

Encourage your child to watch the news and take an interest in places that they visit. Discuss the topics they are studying in school and encourage them to read around the topic outside of school. Please don’t hesitate to contact the department for further ideas.

Useful websites