CURRICULUM SUBJECT

Geography

Geography is an earthly subject, but a heavenly subject.

– Edmund Burke, (Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher)

Understanding the world around us, from the earth’s shifting tectonic plates, to modern patterns of settlement, migration and human rights, Geography is an infinitely relevant subject with some big words at its core: sustainability, the natural world, globalization, inequality, social justice and human rights.  

Studying Geography is a hands-on, current, and transferable practice. During Year 7 and 8, we encourage students to consider the complexity of the major challenges the planet faces through the perspective of different people, as well as consider a range of strategies to help overcome some of these big geographical words, like inequality and sustainability. Some core topics of focus include: the human world, tectonic hazards, extreme weather, and country studies of the USA, Antarctica, Australia, and desert environments.  

When we say ‘hands-on’ we mean it; throughout your studies, you may find yourself knee-deep in a river or the sea, hiking up a rocky terrain, taking readings in another part of the globe, or even taking stock of the deprivation and quality of life on our very own streets here in London.  

At GCSE level, the course covers the three key themes of geography: our natural world, people and society and geographical exploration. Whilst investigating the key themes, students will continue to use a variety of different skills with a more advanced and critical outlook, including fieldwork, interpreting and analysing data, identifying patterns and predicting trends and explaining relationships. In addition, students begin to appreciate the differences and similarities between people’s views of the world and its environment, societies, and cultures as they strive to develop their responsibilities as global citizens.  

Progression to A-level continues to dig deeper into unpicking the debates surrounding the challenges and trends of today’s complex, dynamic world and understanding of the nature of physical and human geography and the interlinks between them.

Career opportunities for those who decide to continue on their journey of geographical study include roles such as: Geologist, Urban and Town Planner, Cartographer, Landscape Architect and GIS Analyst, as well as jobs in Conservation and Environmental Consultancy.