Geography

Curriculum Information about Geography at King James I Academy

Teaching Staff

• C.Patterson (Director of Learning) 
• B. Mason (KS3 Lead) 
• J. Fegan 
• R. Wanless

Curriculum Intent in Geography

Geography is a hybrid discipline that spans both the natural and social sciences. Powerful knowledge in geography: 

• Provides students with new ways of thinking about the world using 'big ideas’ such as Place, Space, and Interconnection 

• Provides students with powerful ways of analysing, explaining, and understanding the world in which we live and how we interact with it. 
• Give students control of their own knowledge - students need to know about discipline and how knowledge has been developed and tested. 
• Enables students to follow and participate in debates in significant local, national, and global issues. Takes students beyond their own experience. This knowledge of the world contributes strongly to students’ general knowledge. 

Department Information

Geography is about the interaction between people and their environment.  It is studied by all students in years 7-9 and is an extremely popular option at GCSE and A level. The Geography Department at King James is committed to delivering interesting and exciting lessons as well as encouraging students to broaden and deepen their knowledge of all things geographical.

Key Stage 4

The AQA specification is followed. Formal assessment is at the end of Year 11

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment                    35% of final grade

Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment                 35% of final grade

Paper 3: Geographical Applications                                          30% of final grade

During the 2 years students undertake fieldtrips to the Lake District and Seaham.

Year 10

In Year 10 students study, Living World, Urban Issues and Challenges, Hazards ,  Coasts and Rivers.

Living World looks at the world’s biomes with a key focus on the Amazon Rainforest and the Western Desert of the USA,

The urban topic looks at the issues and challenges of living in an increasingly urban world. Rio de Janeiro and London are the case studies used.

The UK’s physical geography is studied through rivers (River Tees) and coasts (Holderness). Flooding and coastal erosion are also investigated.

Year 11

In Year 11 students study Changing Economic World and Resource Management. They also undertake 2 pieces of fieldwork and prepare for the pre-release element of Paper 3.

Changing Economic World looks at the development gap between countries and reasons for it. The economies of Nigeria and the UK are studied in detail.

Resource Management looks at the issues and challenges of providing food, energy and water to the world’s growing population.

Curriculum Learning Journey