Introduction

According to Michael Palin, “Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?” At Forest Hill School, we agree. It is our philosophy to engage students with geographical and wider studies and to develop their passion and commitment to learning about our planet and its rich diversity.

Geography is a broad subject that connects the sciences, mathematics and the arts in a way that no other subject does, and it is well respected by universities and employers. In our increasingly diverse society, students need to understand other people and cultures and our Geography department aims to help students understand the world around them and their place within it.

Geography Curriculum Map

Geography at Key Stage 3

All students at Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) study Geography with a specialist Geography teacher. Year 7 receives one lesson in Geography per week and Years 8 and 9 have two lessons per week. In Year 7 we start with a baseline test and work to establish what geography the students have covered at primary school.

From this point on we work to plug the gaps that exist, and start teaching core geographical skills and ideas covering the big geographical ideas. Each year there is a progression in the skills and understanding, with each unit of work adding to the building blocks of their knowledge. Students receive one piece of homework per week.

Geography at Key Stage 4

Students who choose to study Geography at GCSE level will follow the OCR Geography A syllabus which covers UK Geography (the dynamic and diverse geography of the UK, its distinctive physical and human environments, and the processes which drive them and the challenges they create) and World Geography (the complexities of the planet and its interconnections).

Underpinning these units are the geographical skills which stimulate students to ‘think geographically’ and apply the skills in a range of contexts. Homework is set once a week and is structured around exam questions.

OCR GCSE Geography A Specification

Geography at Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, our A Level Geography qualification develops students’ understanding of physical and human geography from a local through to a global scale. Students develop practical fieldwork skills as they explore and think critically about the interactions between people and the environment and the issues arising.

Students receive five lessons a week. A Level Geography is a key subject in preparing and developing students for Higher education.

OCR A Level Geography Specification

Enrichment

In Years 8 and 9, students have the opportunity to visit Sicily and Iceland. The Sicilian adventure includes visits to Mount Etna and the Lipari islands, and in Iceland, the students explore volcanic peaks, dramatic waterfalls, massive glaciers and black beaches.

In Year 10, we take students on two local area trips to study the physical and human geography fieldwork components of their GCSE.

At Key Stage 5, we offer a range of trips to local, national and international destinations to support students in their study of place and space and coasts. This will also support them in the production of their non-exam assessment piece.

Within the Geography department, we have a thriving Eco Club which works within the school and local community to improve understanding and implementation of sustainable strategies to improve the environment.