Geography

"A simple memory of locational facts, a gazetteer, will no longer do; a student must have a deeper understanding of why objects are located where they are. The earth is not randomly arranged … There exists a great deal of spatial order, of sense, on our maps and globes." William Bunge 1966

Geography should be the most exciting subject in the school. We aim to widen pupils' horizons and help them have a greater understanding of the environment and community (local, national and global) in which they live. It should encourage a spirit of adventure and build upon a pupil's natural desire to seek out facts and opinions, so becoming a cultured and balanced person. A wide variety of resources are effectively used by the geography department to support pupils' attainment, progress and the quality of their learning.

The children are highly motivated and readily apply themselves to tasks. An understanding of the patterns and processes of physical and human geography, and an appreciation of the application of geography to environmental, social and political issues is taught throughout the school. The curriculum in Years 4, 5 and 6 is case study based. In Years 7 and 8 it is focused on Common Entrance. Research skills, as identified through field and project work, are well developed, as are collaborative skills that are encouraged through pair and group work. The major piece of fieldwork is undertaken in Year 8 as part of the Common Entrance syllabus. Pupils are very proficient in the use of ICT. Their files contain many examples of text, maps, diagrams and the analysis of statistical data, in which ICT has been appropriately used.