Welcome to the Geography Department
Geography Mission Statement:“Studying geography opens our eyes to what is beautiful and ugly about our planet. It will inspire faith and may, at times, lead us to question our faith. Ultimately geography empowers us to make better decisions and have a positive impact upon our society and environment.”
Geography at The Towers Convent School:Through teaching Geography we stimulate an interest and sense of awe and wonder about the world. Through fun, challenging lessons we assist our pupils in making sense of this complex and dynamically challenging world. We empower pupils with knowledge and understanding of the world by encouraging them to question their local and global environment and society. We remind pupils that they are an integral part of geography; they impact our planet; they are the future of this dynamic world and they can make a positive difference.
Geography is a subject which is alive and very relevant today. We study both physical and human geography. Advances in technology, such as satellite photographs, and many other resources on the internet, enable us to bring geography to life for the pupils, making it interesting and relevant for them. Where possible, geography fieldtrips are also used to enhance learning. There are many opportunities for pupils to experience a sense of awe and wonder of the natural world. Many of the geographical issues that we study have a moral dimension. They provide opportunities for pupils to develop a sense of fairness and justice through the exploration of values and attitudes, particularly with issues related to economic development, trade and aid. In studying these issues, pupils have the opportunity to develop their spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural understanding.
Aims:- To develop knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and appreciate the relevance of these concepts to our changing world.
- To develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
- To fully support the Mission Statement of The Towers
- To stimulate pupils’ interest in geography so that they develop a range of knowledge and geographic skills
- To develop motivation, self esteem and achievement in all pupils
- To help pupils progress at all levels including the gifted and talented pupils
- To monitor and review the progress of pupils through a variety of assessment opportunities
- To use a variety of teaching techniques and resources
- To deliver the most exciting, challenging and enjoyable lessons possible, whilst making the subject is relevant and interactive
Geography Staff:
The department is made up enthusiastic geographers:
Mrs. A. Bowerman
Mrs. J. Finn
Dr. R. Landells
Each year group in Key Stage 3 is taught a mixture of human, physical and environmental geography. Each unit involves using geographic skills such as interpreting and drawing maps, graphs and diagrams. Each unit has many cross curricular links to Science, Mathematics, History, Religious Education, I.C.T and English.
| YEAR GROUP | TERM 1 | TERM 2 | TERM 3 |
| Yr 7 | Investigating Geography and map skills | Settlement | Rivers and Coasts |
| Yr 8 | Weather and climate | Population | Industry and Tourism |
| Yr9 | Plate Tectonics | Development | Ecosystems |
KS4 Course Content:
Geography GCSE AQA specification A (4032)
| Unit 1 Physical Geography Section A | Style of Assessment |
|
The Restless Earth Living World The Coastal Zone |
1hour 30 minute examination (37.5% of the GCSE) Candidates answer one question from each physical geography topic. |
| Unit 2 Human Geography Section A | Style of Assessment |
|
Changing Rural Environments Changing Urban Environments Tourism |
1hour 30 minute examination (37.5% of the GCSE) Candidates answer one question from each human geography topic. |
Unit 3: Local Fieldwork Investigation
Controlled Assessment (25% of the GCSE)
Fieldwork Investigation based on ways of managing a coastal environment. The fieldwork will be completed on a compulsory three day residential trip on the Isle of Wight.
Please note the cost for this compulsory trip is in addition to the termly fee and will be added to the school bill. Useful and Fun Learning Websites:Pupils enjoying geography at school:
Pupils with their composite volcano models ready to present the positives and negatives of living near a volcano.
Erupting volcano completion!
Pupils giving their rendition of the Grid Reference Rap!
Pupils enjoying Geography in the field:
Collecting data on Shoreham Beach
Students from year 8 studying weather and climate. They are conducting a microclimate study measuring wind speed and temperature variations around the school with the use of anemometers.
Geography Quotes from Towers Pupils
“Geography is a lesson on your timetable with a star next to it as you can’t wait to learn”
“There may be more to life than geography, but it’s the best place to start”
“The diagrams and pictures really help me learn”.
“Geography rocks – especially metamorphic!”
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