SubjectsGeography

Our Curriculum Intent

Our Geography curriculum has been designed to ensure that all students can: 

• explore the world around them, and broadened their view of the world, by understanding and respecting different cultures

• develop moral responsibility

• Excel academically

The Geography department aims to broaden students view of the world while also expanding their knowledge of how the world works and promoting morals and responsibility. We teach a varied and challenging curriculum which allows students at this level to explore different cultures to promote equality. Students study a diverse range of physical and human topics, on both global and local scales. Geographical skills are taught at the start of Year 7, which gives every student a foundational knowledge of which to build upon through the various key stages. Further skills are embedded and refined during each key stage to allow progression. We promote the wide range of career opportunities Geography can offer within the lessons.

We encourage students to think critically about data, and scientific evidence so that they can make their own decisions on moral and geographical issues. The curriculum focuses on up to date case studies, science and topics of great relevance in today’s world.  Throughout the teaching of the curriculum the Academy’s vision and values are apparent.

All staff are incredibly passionate about their subject and want to promote an enjoyment of geography and make each topic accessible to everyone. Lessons, case studies, data and topics are constantly reviewed to ensure that all students are supported and thrive within the subject. Lessons are tailored to the needs of the group so that all students can excel.  Formative assessment and teacher assessment allow lessons to be adapted to fit the class and achieve the best outcomes.

Implementation

The learning is split into 4 teaching cycles per year. Lessons are structured so that key knowledge is learnt, recalled and can then be applied, to help information be retained into students’ long term memory.  Each cycle is accompanied by a knowledge organiser to help students in class and at home. This gives students the basic knowledge of each topic as a starting point to build new knowledge upon, before applying what they have learnt. This application of knowledge shows true understanding of key concepts taught, and challenges students.

Staff plan well-structured and engaging lessons to spark students’ interest and allow them to think critically about the information being delivered. Geographical skills are taught in year 7 building upon any previous key stage 2 knowledge. These skills are then interbedded within the teaching cycles to allow students to progress onto the next stage in their academic journey. Each lesson will build upon the next and therefore allows for repetition of knowledge to improve basic recall, while also allowing for students to connect knowledge, systems and processes together. There are opportunities for synoptic learning where knowledge from previous cycles can be applied to new ones. Students are challenged to think about topics on both a local scale and a global scale where appropriate.

Independent home study has been structured to help students recall key information while also giving them the independence to research and discover learning for themselves. Independent home study as an emphasis on knowledge so then application and exam skills can be instructed in the classroom with support.

The impact of our Academy Vision, is seen within the teaching. Students are encouraged to share their ideas and promote these strong values within the wider community. Students are encouraged to think about their actions and how their views might change or differ from others. 

Students undergo various formative assessments each cycle, which are reviewed to tailor lessons to the specific group. This allows for misconceptions to be eliminated as well as adding to student’s long-term memory. Personalised target questions are provided after assessments as well as throughout the learning cycle. This allows students review themselves and address their own progress and learning. It enables student to address any misconceptions they have, improve their work or push their understanding and knowledge further.  

Impact

The evaluation of the quality of teaching shows that lesson quality is consistently good and continues to improve further. Lessons are constantly adapted and updated to ensure that an up-to-date, and varied curriculum is delivered. Lessons contain a wider activity range to challenge students while also supporting the various needs of the students in the class.

Assessment data shows students making progress in Geography. GCSE and A-level results have improved in recent years. A-level students are encouraged to pursue various careers relating to Geographic fields and are encouraged to apply to universities, geographical-based jobs and higher-level apprentices.