Geography

Overview

The Geography Department, at Hartsdown Academy, aims to inspire students with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around us. We will focus on supporting young people in aiming for an understanding and appreciation of the complex and dynamically changing world. We will prepare young people for the diverse society we live in by enabling them to appreciate other people and their cultures. We will be offering a rigorous study of the world around us where students seek explanations about how the world works, to think about the sustainability of the planet for their future, so they can strive for an amazing education that will influence their future real-life options and choices. The Geography Department is immersed in ensuring that all students appreciate and believe “Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future” (M. Palin 2007) The geographical skills that students learn along the way equip them with a broad range of personal learning and thinking skills such as team work, independent enquiry and creative thinking- all highly valued by employers and universities.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, students follow the challenging International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Within this we study global Geography with a particular emphasis on natural hazards, the living world and the economic world, which focuses on both physical and human Geography. We challenge students to look at the world they live in locally and globally, be engaged in current events in the world and to engage in conversations of how we can ensure sustainability, of the planet for future generations. Geography continues to have a focus on key skills which are integrated throughout the themes including map reading, fieldwork data collection and use of numeracy in Geography. We encourage students to participate in local fieldwork trips so they can practice vital GCSE skills, needed to become an effective Geographer.

Key Stage 4

Our Geography provision aims to inspire excitement, creativity, empathy and deeper thinking about the world our students live in. Our aspirations are for all students to become forward-thinking global citizens who appreciate the world they live in so they can contribute to it, for their future. Amongst other things students will learn about natural hazards, climate change, resource management and urban issues in rich and poor countries around the world. They will also have the opportunity to complete two field studies, including a local coastal trip and to a human urban area such as London or Canterbury – this enables them to bring their learning to life as they will practice, in a real life context, their key geographical skills that they have been taught.

Student Comments

“I have enjoyed my Geography GCSE and am thinking about continuing geography at A level. I think it is important that everyone understands about our impact on the world”

Year 11

Year 11