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Geography Department

Introduction

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.” (Michael Palin)

The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places, people and the environment. It helps young people make sense of a complex and changing world and how society, the economy and environment combine to bring about change. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected, and examines natural resources and their sustainable use. (The Royal Geographical Society)

Key stage 3

Students will develop knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. They will examine the interaction between the physical landscape and environment and human activity. Topics include studies of the development of regions and countries such as India, Russia, and the Horn of Africa as well as processes and physical features such as weather and climate, rivers and flooding, urbanisation, climate change and globalisation. At KS3 students in year 7 begin with a unit designed to introduce basic map skills which are then developed throughout the topics studied in all years. Students also learn to interpret and present data in various forms including graphs and tables. Case studies are used to exemplify topics such as the development of superpowers, urbanisation and conflict; and field work is undertaken in topics such as weather and climate and settlements.

Key stage 4

With geography at the root of so many current global issues, it is a popular GCSE option as students recognise its relevance to their daily lives and their future welfare. Madani follows the AQA Geography syllabus which includes topics covering natural hazards, ecosystems, landscapes in the UK, the changing economic world, urbanisation and resource management. Students will be assessed by three written exams at the end of year 11. All KS4 geography students will conduct two field studies and analyse this data to prepare them for their final exams.

Independent Study

There are a variety of TV documentaries covering the topics studied in the geography curriculum. BBC and BBC iplayer as well as subscription programme services have a number of relevant documentaries for students to widen their knowledge. Selecting appropriate programs for your child and watching them and will help them to become more familiar with the topics studied in the curriculum. As geography is at the heart of many world events, reading the newspaper or watching the news regularly will also help students obtain valuable background knowledge of the topics studied at GCSE.

Checking your child’s planner and making sure they are managing their time to complete projects and homework will also help ensure they are making progress.