Geography

Curriculum Overview

Vision

The Geography curriculum at Croxley Danes is grounded in exploring the many wonders of this unique world and gives students confidence to ask questions about the world as they see it. Throughout key stage three, each year, we provide a broad balance of topics which cover the three main dimensions of Geographical study; physical processes, human developments and environmental issues. These are explored by looking at a wide range of relevant case studies and examples taken from the different continents. 

We aim for students to develop and practise the key Geographical skills, such as understanding of scale, place characteristics, patterns of maps, analysing  and categorising various forms of data and exploring fieldwork questions. Each year we also aim to provide opportunities for students to develop and present their own research about world issues and to foster a sense of care and responsibility for the future management of the world around us. We complete decision making tasks where students have to select and justify a future plan for a key Geographical issue such as the development of the rainforest or energy choices.

Disciplinary Concepts

• Place and Identity

• Scale and Interconnection

• Physical Systems

• Representation

• Risk

• Sustainability

Curriculum Map

YEAR 7

In Year 7 you will be introduced to physical and human geography topics and start to explore the causes, impacts and management of physical (e.g. coastal erosion) and human (e.g. tourism) processes. You will use ‘case studies’ of particular locations to illustrate different topics and learn how to use these in assessed work. You will also develop your geographical skills (e.g. use of maps, graphs and diagrams) and undertake geographical fieldwork.

Becoming a Geographer – this topic begins with looking at what geography is. It then focuses on OS Map skills through which you will develop your understanding of the geography of the school & local area. 

Exploring the UK – this topic explores the physical and human geography of our country including physical landscapes, urbanisation, population structure and change, and economic activity. 

Coasts – this is a physical geography topic in which you will explore coastal processes and landforms as well as the causes, effects and management of erosion. This is studied through a case study of the Holderness Coast. 

A Trip around the World – this topic is designed to ensure that you have a good knowledge of how the world is divided up and also to introduce you to a range of different geographical skills (e.g. data analysis, map work and GIS).

Weather & Climate – this physical geography topic will explore factors affecting climate around the world and how basic elements of our weather work (e.g. rainfall). We also look at what is meant by extreme weather and learn about the causes and impacts of different extreme weather events. You will undertake fieldwork to look at the microclimate of the school site.

YEAR 8 

You will continue to develop your understanding of physical and human geography topics and the connections between different aspects of geography (e.g. impact of human activity on ecosystems). A large amount of our learning this year relates to places outside of the UK. We will continue to use case studies of particular locations to illustrate different topics. You will be introduced to ‘Decision Making Exercises’ (used in GCSE) and will be expected to present and interpret more complex data. You will have the opportunity to take part in geographical fieldwork to support your understanding of Ecosystems.

Between the Tropics – you will explore the physical geography of different biomes found between the Tropics, specifically Tropical Rainforests & the Savanna. You will also develop your understanding of human impacts on ecosystems. 

Globalisation – you will explore the concept of globalisation – why it is happening and what the impacts are. We use a case study from Bangladesh to illustrate the impacts of globalisation on a less developed country.

Fragile Planet - this topic focuses on how humans make use of the earth’s resources with a specific focus on energy. You will explore the concepts of climate change and sustainability and consider how energy can be produced in a more sustainable way.

Deserts – this topic draws on your prior learning in previous topics including Extreme Weather, Between the Tropics  and Tourism. We will explore the physical geography of desert regions as well as touching on human geography (tourism and population).

Ecosystems fieldwork investigation – you will carry out a local fieldwork project.

Out of Africa – your final topic of Year 8 builds on previous topics from the year  and explores different aspects of physical and human geography across a range of places in Africa. Through a range of case studies the topic aims to develop your understanding of the diversity within Africa.

YEAR 9

You will continue to develop your understanding of physical and human geography topics. Our physical geography will be focussed on plate tectonics and rivers. Human geography will focus on different global issues and international development. You will have the opportunity to undertake a fieldwork project on infiltration. By the end of Year 9 you will have an excellent foundation for starting GCSE geography in terms of content and familiarity with styles of questions used in assessments.

Natural Hazards – you will learn about the causes, impact and management of earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis – all hazards caused by tectonic activity.

Global Issues & Development – you will learn about a range of current global issues and explore differences in development across the world. As part of your learning you will also be using a non-fiction book called ‘Factfulness’ to enrich your understanding of this topic.

Water and Rivers – In this physical geography topic you will learn about how rivers shape our landscape. You will also explore issues associated with water such as: flooding, water quality and water conflict. You will also carry out fieldwork to investigate infiltration rates. 

India - This unit takes a fresh look at India as it faces up to the challenges of the 21st century. You will examine the physical geography of the country and how this influences human geography. You will also explore the changing economy and ‘power’ of the country. 

People and the Biosphere – this topic is part of the GCSE Geography Edexcel B course.  You will be learning about the connections between people and the biosphere – many of which are vital to the survival and success of humans.

YEAR 10

We are studying the Edexcel B specification. This course builds on the knowledge and skills you have gained from your geographical learning at Key Stage 3. This GCSE course will deepen understanding of geographical processes, illuminate the impact of change and of complex people-environment interactions, highlight the dynamic links and interrelationships between places and environments at different scales, and develop your competence in using a wide range of geographical investigative skills and approaches. 

An overview of the global distribution and characteristics of large-scale ecosystems, why the biosphere is important to human wellbeing and how humans use and modify it in order to obtain resources.

Forests under Threat (Paper 3)

A detailed study of tropical rainforests and the taiga, looking at processes and interactions and issues related to their biodiversity and to their sustainable use and management 

Consuming energy resources (Paper 3)

A study of renewable and non-renewable energy, its supply and demand, access and energy security issues, its sustainable use and management.

UK’s Evolving Human Landscape (Paper 2)

An overview of the changing and varied human landscape of the UK, including the socio-economic and political processes that influence it.

Milton Keynes Case Study (Paper 2) HOMEWORK PROJECT

In-depth case study of Milton Keynes as an example of a dynamic UK study.

UK’s Evolving Physical Landscape (Paper 2)

An overview of the varied physical landscapes in the UK resulting from geology, geomorphic processes and human activity over time.

River Processes and Pressures (Paper 2)

River landscapes, processes, challenges and management.

Fieldwork (Paper 2)

Fieldwork investigations relating to river processes and pressure (River Chess) and dynamic urban areas (Milton Keynes).
 

YEAR 11 

We are studying the Edexcel B specification. This course builds on the knowledge and skills you have gained from your geographical learning at Key Stage 3. This GCSE course will deepen understanding of geographical processes, illuminate the impact of change and of complex people-environment interactions, highlight the dynamic links and interrelationships between places and environments at different scales, and develop your competence in using a wide range of geographical investigative skills and approaches.

UK’s Evolving Human Landscape (Paper 2)

An overview of the changing and varied human landscape of the UK, including the socio-economic and political processes that influence it.

Milton Keynes Case Study (Paper 2)

In-depth case study of Milton Keynes as an example of a dynamic UK study.

UK’s Evolving Physical Landscape (Paper 2)

An overview of the varied physical landscapes in the UK resulting from geology, geomorphic processes and human activity over time.

River Processes and Pressures (Paper 2)

River landscapes, processes, challenges and management.

Fieldwork (Paper 2)

Fieldwork investigations relating to river processes and pressure (River Chess) and dynamic urban areas (Milton Keynes).

The global distribution and characteristics of large-scale ecosystems, why the biosphere is important to human wellbeing and how humans use and modify it in order to obtain resources 

Forests under Threat (Paper 3)

A detailed study of tropical rainforests and the taiga, looking at processes and interactions and issues related to their biodiversity and to their sustainable use and management 

Coastal Change and Conflict (Paper 2)

Coastal landscapes, processes, challenges and management

Hazardous Earth (Paper 1)

An understanding of the global circulation of the atmosphere and changing climate. Plus two depth studies of an extreme weather hazard (tropical cyclones) and tectonic hazards at contrasting locations.

Development dynamics (Paper 1)

An understanding of the scale of global inequality. Plus a depth study of how one emerging country (India) is developing and the consequences for people, environment and the country’s relationship with the wider world.

Challenges of an urbanising world (Paper 1)

An overview of the causes and challenges of rapid urbanisation across the world. Plus one depth study of a megacity (LAGOS) in an emerging country. 

Assessments

YEAR 7

Developing firm foundations in Geographical skills.

AP1: Developing navigational and place skills. 

Our first assessment focuses on using map based skills at a global, national and local scale. Also practising how to find place coordinates, place direction, height and distance.

AP2: Physical and Human processes in the UK.

Our second mini assessment focuses on a review of the topical issues for the United Kingdom such as the changing economy, migration and an ageing population. Also conflict, conservation and management of national parks.

AP3: Coastal Landscapes

Our final class assessment focuses on describing and explaining how physical processes have shaped the coastline and how erosion, transportation and deposition create different landscape features. It also explores extended writing on the Holderness coast, which has become the fastest eroding coastline in Europe.

End of Year Exam: Brings together a selection of skills and questions from the three main topic areas.

 

YEAR 8

Exploring Environmental issues and Ecosystems

AP1: Exploring contrasting Ecosystems

The key focus of assessment is on how different global biomes and ecosystems function, how they have developed and how they need protection. It combines skills with biology in examining the nutrient cycle, food webs and species adaptations. A detailed case study of deforestation in Malaysia is used for extended writing to justify what future action should be taken and why.

AP2: Consuming Energy resources

This mini assessment concentrates on the classification of different types of energy sources and how and why a change in energy use is needed. Students examine the impacts of climate change and complete a decision making exercise based on Iceland and it’s future energy use.

AP3: Globalisation and a Global world    

The final assessment focuses on how and why the world is becoming more interconnected through trade, transport and communication. The case study of the Rana Plaza is used to write an extended essay on who was to blame for this disaster.

End of Year Exam: Brings together a selection of skills and questions from the three main topic areas.

 

YEAR 9

Tectonic Hazards and World Development

AP1: Tectonic processes and earthquakes

The first assessment focuses on developing skills in explaining the physical processes of the earth, including tectonic plate boundaries, continental drift and earthquake features. The extended essay asks students to explore why some earthquakes have greater impacts than others using the example of Haiti 2010.

AP2: Developing World

The second in class assessment explores the issues caused by varying levels of development across the world. Issues include inequality, poverty and sustainable development goals ( United Nations 2015). The extended writing examines the issues caused by Palm Oil in Indonesia and what options the country should consider in the future.

AP3: River Processes

The final in class assessment returns to practising Physical Geography processes and how rivers shape the landscape. Map skills are tested in reference to river landscapes. Students are assessed on the case study of the three gorges dam in China and whether it can be considered positive or negative. 

End of Year Exam: Brings together a selection of skills and questions from the three main topic areas.

 

KS4 (GCSE)

A01 - Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes, environments and different scales

A02 - Demonstrate geographical understanding of:

•  concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes

• The inter-relationships between places, environments and processes

A03 - Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements.

A04 - Select, adapt and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings. 

Topic 1: Hazardous Earth (earthquakes/storms)

Topic 2: Development dynamics (India)

Topic 3: Challenges of an urbanising world (Lagos)

(Exam: 37.5%)

Topic 4: The UK’s evolving physical landscape

Topic 5: The UK’s evolving human landscape

Topic 6: Local fieldwork investigations

(Exam 37.5%)

Topic 7: People and the biosphere

Topic 8: Forests under threat

Topic 9: Consuming energy resources

(Exam 25%)