Geography
Geography is studied throughout the school. In years seven to nine all students study the subject at National Curriculum Key Stage 3 level. It becomes an optional subject in the years ten and eleven and is studied by a high percentage of students. A large number of Sixth Formers opt to include Geography in their choice of subjects for Advanced Level work.
Throughout the study of geography in school, emphasis is placed upon the understanding of: (i) the physical character of the earth’s surface, (ii) man’s occupancy of the earth and use of its resources and (iii) the spatial organisation of societies. Students develop a wide range of abilities and skills including the use of language, experience of scientific enquiry, the handling of mathematical information, e.g. the measurement of distance, the interpretation of climatic data, the use of graphic, photographic and map information together with the ability to observe, record and classify information at first hand and through secondary sources.
The content of the course is determined by the need to relate the above mentioned skills to the study of appropriate examples. Students acquire a knowledge of the local area, their own country and a range of localities in other areas of the world, selected to represent different cultural backgrounds, natural environments and stages of development.
In years seven to nine most of the emphasis is placed upon acquaintance with the home region through first hand study and the building up of geographical concepts related to both the ‘developing’ and the ‘developed’ countries of the world, ? population problems, agricultural systems, industrial locations, transport patterns, urban problems, the importance of sustainability in the 21st century, etc. In years ten and eleven the GCSE syllabus is used to build upon the basic ideas developed in the years seven to nine. The philosophy behind the syllabus includes an understanding of the environment and Man’s different socio?economic responses to varying environments; an appreciation of cultural diversity; sustaining the environment for the future; the need for candidates to acquire and apply knowledge and skills; the importance of patterns and inter?relationships together with decision making.
The GCSE will be externally assessed for 75% of the total marks, this comprising of a decision making exercise (25%) and a final examination (50%) whilst two pieces of controlled assessment work will make up the other 25%.
Click here KS3 overview to see KS 3 Powerpoint
Go to moodle http://moodle.churston.torbay.sch.uk/course/view.php?id=552 to see KS3 Overview
