Geography

'Without geography you are … NOWHERE!’

‘As a young man, my fondest dream was to become a geographer. However, while working in the Customs Office I thought deeply about the matter and concluded it was far too difficult a subject. With some reluctance I turned to Physics as an alternative’ - Albert Einstein (allegedly!)

Why choose geography?
Geography tackles the big issues:    
  • environmental responsibility
  • global interdependence
  • cultural understanding and tolerance
  • commerce, trade and industry.
The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare us for those changes. It is about the future and encourages flexible thinking. The transferable skills which it fosters are an asset in a complex world. Geographical study provides a firm basis for life-long learning. Geographers possess the skills that employers look for. This is partly because the subject combines a knowledge of science and an understanding of the arts.

Geographers can:
  • handle data and analyse material
  • ask questions and find answers
  • make decisions about an issue
  • organise themselves and think creatively and independently
Geographers are:
  • good communicators
  • spatially, socially, economically and environmentally aware
  • problem solvers
  • good team players
  • computer literate
  • well rounded, flexible thinkers
‘Studying people + places + processes = studying LIFE.’

 Key Stage 3

In the lower school, Girls study a wide and varied curriculum, touching on the principles of both Human and Physical Geography. Girls experience off site fieldwork in all years of the lower school, and are encouraged to take a dynamic and proactive approach to their learning. Girls study topics such as Hydrology, Global Fashion, Tourism, and sustainability.

GCSE

Geography is a very popular and successful subject at GCSE. The new GCSE course (AQA @A’) offers the opportunity for girls to investigate the relationships between people and their environments in a variety of contexts. It engages girls through discussion and debate and aims to raise their awareness and interest in major geographical issues at a range of scales. Fieldwork is at the core of learning at GCSE, and girls have the opportunity to conduct residential fieldwork in Krakow, Poland and Reykjavik, Iceland.

http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/geo_landt/current/geography_a_overview.php?id=09&prev=09

AS and A Level

Geography is one of the most popular options at A Level with 100% of grades attained being A-B for the last three years. It challenges the more able while also making an excellent link between the Sciences and the Arts. The A Level course (AQA GCE Geography) starts with a residential fieldtrip in September, which immediately helps Girls to engage with the subject, staff, and their fellow Geographers. The course offers units that allow a balance between key physical and humantopics that provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills for further study at higher education or for employment. It engages candidates with engaging contemporary Geographical themes and will resonate with either their direct or media experience.

http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/humanities/geography_overview.php

‘Geography – helping you make sense of the world.’

Mr Dan Curran (Head of Geography)