Geography - understanding our place in the world

Syllabus

In the Sixth Form, pupils follow a diverse, cutting edge and thoroughly interesting Geography syllabus. Standard Level pupils study the core topic as well as two optional topics: the Geography of Food, and Health and Oceans and their Coastal Margins. Higher level pupils sit an additional extension topic focusing on Globalisation and a third optional topic, Extreme Environments. Both Higher Level and Standard Level pupils also complete an Internal Assessment based on a local area fieldwork study.

At GCSE we follow the Edexcel A syllabus. The course is divided into four sections. The first three – Geographical Skills and Challenges, the Physical Environment and the Human Environment – are all assessed by external examinations. Pupils also complete a Controlled Assessment during Year 11 which is based on a local fieldwork investigation.

MYP pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a unique course designed to inspire a love of Geography and to embed the skills required for success at certificate level. The diverse topics studied include Natural Hazards, Antarctica, Population and Development, Rivers and Coral Reefs.

The department has three well travelled members of staff each with their own areas of expertise.

Out of the classroom

A variety of fieldwork trips and visits are organised by the Department, ensuring pupils have the chance to explore the physical environment that exists on their doorstep and further afield. These range from local trips to study the coast on St Andrews East Sands beach, to UK and international expeditions to, Yorkshire, Lancashire and even the Amalfi coast in Italy.