Geography is part of the curriculum for all pupils in years 7 - 8. The department occupies two specialist rooms in Gorton block with fine views over the valley of the river Sherbourne.

At the beginning of the Key Stage 3 pupils are introduced to the basics of the subject using the varied nature of the school site and the environment as a "back drop" to the work. Over the next 2 years the physical and human elements of Geography are explored in a wide range of context and places. The department tries to foster a broad understanding of the subject often covering themes in a way that integrates the physical, human and environmental strands. The UK and Europe are "visited" along with many locations in both More and Less Economically Developed Countries. Developing Geographical skills forms an important aspect of the work and pupils learn the basics of map and atlas work along with numerous data collection and processing techniques.

Geography Department

There is great potential for the use of ICT in Geographical study both in school and at home.  Students are actively encouraged to carry out research at home using their own computers and accessing date from the internet, in order to produce high quality written and graphical responses.

Field study plays an important part in the teaching and learning of Geography.  In addition to using the school grounds and local environment, programmes of out of school Field Study are being developed for all students.

In order to expand knowledge and broaden experience, during year 9 students who elect to continue with Geography follow a pre-GCSE Foundation course.  The aim is to enable students to develop their skills and understanding sufficiently to embark upon the GCSE with confidence.  The exam course will be started after Easter in year 9.


During years 10 and 11 the full GCSE course is studied and those who wish to can then progress to the AS and A level courses during their Post 16 years (12 and 13).
The aim in every year in Geography teaching is to nurture increasingly independent study and this culminates in the completely Individual Research that A Level students undertake as part of their assessment.

A Level and GCSE students also have 5 day residential Field Study course at Plas Dol-y-Moch in North Wales.