Geography 

Head of Department: Mr Green

Teachers: Mr Conroy, Mrs Covus & Mr Gill

Our Vision for Geography at Burnham Grammar School 

Intent 

Our intent is to deliver a broad, balanced and relevant geography curriculum that inspires and enthuses each BGS student. Our aim is for each student to develop geographical knowledge of varying natural and human environments, including the interactions between them, spanning the entire globe. As a result, we will increase understanding of different groups of people from a diverse range of places, including their lifestyles, potential viewpoints and economic circumstances (Caring Individuals). We will, where possible, provide fieldwork opportunities for students in each key stage, as well as developing their decision-making and problem-solving skills through a range of current, real-world issues (Responsible Learners). This is because fieldwork brings learning in the classroom to life and it enables students to conduct their own investigations. Finally, we will equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to tackle climate change and create a more sustainable future, in both the local and wider community (Active Citizens, Prepared for their Future).

Implementation 

We encourage our students to be Responsible Learners through a broad range of teaching methods. All lesson resources are shared by every member of the department, and we use a combination of current examples and well-established case studies in our teaching. Extension and challenge tasks are set routinely to ensure that students are challenged to make, and learn from, mistakes. There are lots of opportunities for students to develop skills. Activities such as debates, presentations and discussions enable students to consider different viewpoints, become more confident, and communicate effectively with their peers (Prepared for their Future; Happy, Healthy and Safe). Our topics cover a wide range of places, reflecting our diverse student body and enabling every student to expand their knowledge and horizons. We use both formative and summative assessment techniques to support student progress, including common tests in each year group. Alongside this, termly book checks are used to ensure that students take pride in their work and become increasingly responsible and independent. Students regularly respond to their feedback and evaluate their own learning (Responsible Learners).

Impact 

Through the geography curriculum, students enjoy studying the subject (Happy, Health and Safe). They are enthused by the topics and lessons, and recognise the relevance to their own lives and futures. As a result, many students see the value of studying it beyond KS3. Geography is a popular subject at both GCSE and A-level. Students develop a broad range of skills by studying the subject, including synoptic skills, and they can make links between geography and their other subjects. At all key stages, students are academically successful in geography and go on to achieve very good results at GCSE and A-level (Responsible Learners). Through their experiences in geography, students are aware of the wide range of opportunities available to them as result of studying the subject (Prepared for their Future).

Wider Curriculum Opportunities 

• KS3 – visit to a local ecosystem/ natural environment. Investigating the links between people and the environment.
• Year 10 – fieldwork in Littlehampton and Worthing (June). Investigating coastal processes and management.
• Year 11 – fieldwork in London (October). Investigating the contrasts between two different parts of the city.
• Year 12 – four days of fieldwork in the UK (residential) (May). Investigating regeneration and coastal management in contrasting places.

Please see the KS3/KS4 & KS5 Curriculum Map for Geography below : 

KS3/KS4/KS5 Geography Curriculum Map 

Please see further information about each of the KS3, KS4 and KS5 Geography Curriculum below :