GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT

STAFF MEMBERS
• K McKENNA
• C WHITE
• P CURRAN
• N McLEAN
• P MCKILLOP

DEPARTMENT INTRODUCTION

Geography is the study of the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.
Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography).
Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of places and regions - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in human geography.
Geography provides an ideal framework for relating other fields of knowledge. Today geography is one of the most popular subjects at UK schools, outside of the subjects made compulsory by the Government such as maths and science. It is also thriving in universities. Geographers and geographical research outside of formal education – in the public, private and voluntary sectors - is also in a very strong state.  Geographers are highly employable and work in a wide range of sectors.

KEY STAGE 3 LEARNING INTENTIONS
Pupils follow the statutory requirements as set out in the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
YEAR 8
• What physical and human geography is about.
• Develop map and atlas skills.
• Gain knowledge of the processes and patterns of local settlement.
• Develop data collection and presentation skills.
• Understand the formation and charcteristics of Northern Ireland geology (rocks).

YEAR 9
• Understand the importance of energy and examine alternatives to meet future energy needs.
• Gain knowledge about the global population increase, distribution, structure & migration.
• To develop the cross-curricular skill of Using Maths to research, present and analyse data.
• Investigate global tectonic hazards and their impact upon humans.
• To explore and understand more about the European Union.

YEAR 10 – Currently being revised for first teaching in
September 2009.

GCSE/KEY STAGE 4 LEARNING
Students follow the AQA GCSE Geography A syllabus which will be a modular examination from September 2009. The achievement of students will be assessed by two written papers and one piece of coursework.  Students may be entered for a Foundation Tier (Grades C to G) or a Higher Tier (Grades A* to D).  Both tiers consist of short structured questions and give opportunities for extended answers.

Students will sit Unit 1 at the end of Year 11 (June examination) which can, if necessary, be repeated at the end of Year 12 with the Unit 2 examination. Students are also expected to carry out a fieldwork investigation which will form the coursework element of Controlled Assessment.

Unit 1 Physical Geography – 37.5% of Grade
External examination June availability starting from June 2010

Summary of Content
Section A
The Restless Earth
Rocks, Resources and Scenery
Challenge of Weather and Climate
Living World

Section B
Water on the Land
Ice on the Land
The Coastal Zone

Style of Assessment
1 hour 30 minute examination. Candidates answer three questions,
 one from Section A and one from Section B plus free choice of one other.