Geography
Curriculum Journey
Curriculum Intent: Geography
Geography helps you to make sense of the world around you. Studying Geography gives students the opportunity to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world, and understand the social, economic and physical forces and processes which shape and change our world.
Geography at NUAST develops curious and investigative learners who utilise critical and evaluative thinking skills from a geographical perspective. Our students grow their cultural capital through experiences and the knowledge rich curriculum which addresses human, physical and environmental geography. The curriculum provides holistic knowledge enabling students to develop an understanding of geographical landscapes and issues in the UK and within a global context. We nurture a responsible, ethical attitude in our students to the world around them.
We aim to inspire further study of Geography beyond the bounds of a classroom, ensuring that students have an awareness of employment opportunities and career pathways; the research and study skills that are developed support learning in further and higher education, and employment.
Key Stage 3
Geography is currently offered in year 7 and year 8 expanding into year 9 as the school grows over the coming years.
In year 7 students are delivered a curriculum that aims to inspire and educate students in modern and traditional concepts of Geography allowing students to investigate, interpret and inquire about different ideas and theories whilst embedding skills.
Year 7 Topics
- Map skills and local study of Nottingham
- Tectonics
- The Almighty Dollar
- River and coastal environments
- UK ecosystems
- Sustainability at home
Year 8 Topics
- Africa
- Meteorology
- Global superpowers
- Glacial environments
- Cold environments
- World issues
Year 9 Topics
- Russia and the Middle East
- Climate change
- Crime and conflict
- Landscapes of the world
- Tropical rainforests
- Water conflict
GCSE
NUAST offers the AQA (9-1) GCSE in Geography. Study of this course will give students of all backgrounds the opportunity to develop:
- Communication skills
- Graphical and cartographical skills
- Technological skills including ICT and GIS
- Interpersonal skills through debate and discussion
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Entrepreneurial skills and awareness of career possibilities.
Within the course students will cover topics on:
- Natural Hazards and Climate Change
- Ecosystems
- UK Physical Environment
- Urban challenges and issues
- The changing Economic world
- Resource security
Students will also complete two compulsory fieldwork experiences in contrasting locations which encompass both Human and Physical Geography.
Exam Structure
- Paper 1: Physical Geography - 1 hour 30 minutes - worth 37.5%
- Paper 2: Human Geography - 1 hour 30 minutes - worth 37.5%
- Paper 3: Fieldwork and skills - 1 hour 15 minutes - worth 25%
A Level
NUAST also offers the AQA Linear A Level specification for sixth form.
The course covers many elements of Geography:
- Physical Geography - Hazards, Glaciers or Coasts, Water and carbon cycles
- Human Geography - Changing urban environments, Changing places, Global Governance
- Geography Fieldwork Investigation – Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.
Exam Structure
- Component 1: Physical Geography - 2 hours 30 minutes - worth 40%
- Component 2: Human Geography - 2 hours 30 minutes - worth 40%
- Component 3: Geography Fieldwork Investigation – 3,000-4,000 words - worth 20%
Links
Key Stage 3
GCSE
- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/specification-at-a-glance
- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zy3ptyc
A Level
Useful Apps
- Seneca
- Kahoot
- BBC Bitesize
- Gojimo