Geography
There has never been a more important time to study Geography; bridging the sciences and arts, it aims to develop pupils’ passion for exploring the world. It establishes many transferable skills such as independent research, data analysis, interpretation and communication. We want our students to know about their places and spaces and apply this into their lives as strong global citizens.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Geography is a popular option at DCGS and it is one of most relevant subjects a student can choose to study. Over the course of KS3 we study a broad range of topics to give a sound base for further study at GCSE, A Level and beyond. We take the students on a varied journey through topics such as map work and glaciers to globalisation and coasts. We intend to ignite passion for the subject and an understanding that allows students to have a long-lasting positive contribution to our world.
Topics covered include:
Exploring our local Geography, Population and Development, Glaciated Landscapes, Awesome Asia, Understanding Africa Climatic Hazards, Global Issues and Challenges, Crumbling Coasts, The Geography of the UK, Geography of Disease and Health, Extreme Environments, Sustainable Cities, Settlement and Urbanisation, Tectonics, Sport and Regeneration, Conflicts and Challenges, Globalisation in the 21st Century
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11 GCSE)
Students study the AQA (9-1) Geography Specification at GCSE. The curriculum is built around engaging and challenging enquiry questions to help embed the core value of aspiration. Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes
Students must undertake two pieces of fieldwork, collecting and analysing data they have collected themselves outside of the school grounds as a part of the course.
Topics studied include:
- The challenge of natural hazards
- The living world
- Physical landscapes in the UK
- Urban issues and challenges
- The changing economic world
- The challenge of resource management
Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level)
Students are required to have gained at least a grade 6 in Geography GCSE to be eligible to take this course at A Level
Students follow the Edexcel Geography A Level Course. This is a specification which has an engaging and contemporary issues-based approach. The specification is frequently updated so as to reflect the ever-changing nature of our world and world issues. This matches with our intent of supporting all students with becoming global citizens with the knowledge and skills to engage with the world around them.
Each class has two teachers, one covering the Human elements and the other the Physical. The course gives opportunities to make links between the two halves, often encouraging students to make synoptic judgements about geographical themes, ideas and concepts. The content is framed by enquiry questions that encourage an investigative and evaluative approach to learning.
The course requires students to undertake an independent investigation worth 20% and there is a compulsory residential fieldwork course to be completed. Please note that financial assistance is available for the cost of this visit if required.
Areas of study are as follows:
- Tectonic Processes and Hazards
- Coastal Landscapes and Change
- Globalisation
- Regenerating Places
- The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
- The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
- Superpowers
- Health, Human Rights and Intervention
- Fieldwork and data skills
A Level Geography Specification
Co-curricular activities
- Local area field trips
- GCSE Visit to Sicily
- Biennial trip to Iceland (A Level)
- A Level Field trip to Magdalen Farm in Somerset
- Geography Society