Geography

VISION & AIMS

Geography encourages passionate globally aware citizens. Studying Geography gives students a critical insight into our developing and adapting planet. Students are encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes. 

Fieldwork is an intrinsic part of geography and students will carry out geographical enquiries in contrasting environments to show an understanding of both physical and human geography. Students will master skills such as statistical analysis, resources interpretation, empathy and decision making.

 

KS3

Over the course of KS3, Geography allows students to travel the world from the classroom, exploring case studies from the United Kingdom, and around the globe. Topics of study include climate change, the growing development gap, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainability. 

 

KS4

Deer Park School follows the AQA GCSE course, which covers the following geographical themes:

  • Urban issues and challenges
  • The challenge of natural hazards
  • Physical landscapes in the UK - Rivers
  • The living world
  • Physical landscapes in the UK - Coasts
  • Fieldwork Enquiry
  • The changing economic world
  • The challenge of resource management

There are 3 external examinations to be completed at the end of year 11.

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND TRIPS

During KS3, year 7 and 8 will have the opportunity to take part in geographical fieldwork in a number of locations in and out of the school site. Year 7 are offered the chance to visit Marwell Zoo to compliment their biodiversity unit to see a living rainforest biome and to hear talks from zoologists surrounding ecosystems and conservation. 

Year 8 embark upon a coasts field trip to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door to carry out both human and physical data collection. As well as to see geographical processes such as erosion and longshore drift in action.

Throughout the GCSE course, a plethora of required and optional trips will be on offer to students. 

Eco Focus Group, a student lead group, is also run within the geography faculty to encourage and apply their environmental interests into school wide initiatives. This promotes eco behaviours and leadership skills.