INTRODUCTION The Key Stage 3 Geography syllabus is designed around the attainment targets of the National Curriculum. They are: Geographical enquiry and skills Knowledge and understanding of places Physical geography Human geography Environmental geography

The course is designed not only to stimulate an interest and enjoyment in the subject but to provide pupils with a basic, broad and relevant geographical education.

Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7 but as they move into Year 8 and 9 two or three groups are timetabled together which allows for some setting.

COURSE DETAILS

The course is taught in modules throughout Year 7-9. Some of these are

Year 7 map skills general geography of the world population and settlement eco systems Year 8 passport to the world development water Brazil Italy Year 9 environmetal issues study of Japan plate tectonics - earthquakes and volcanoes coastal studies and rivers tourism weather

Assessment

Pupils are tested at regular intervals throughout the Key Stage. The assessment may take the form of a formal test, structured exercise, oral work or individual assignment work.

Each year group is also formally examined at a designated time in the spring or summer term. These examinations are used to help formulate the National Curriculum teacher-assessed level at the end of Year 9.

Home Learning

Home learning is set on a regular basis throughout Years 7-9 and should take between 30 and 45 minutes. This will be based on the topic area being studied at the time. Pupils who fail to submit work or produce incomplete home learning frequently will be given detentions.

Beyond the Classroom

Fieldwork is an integral part of Geography and some opportunities are offered in Years 8 and 9.

How Parents Can Help

To encourage pupils to complete home learning to the best of their ability in the time given and to give opportunity to read as widely as possible to enhance their general geographical knowledge.

Securing Success

Parents will be notified either by letter or telephone of any serious concern experienced by the department regarding a pupil’s progress and level of achievement. Following such contact there will be an opportunity to discuss matters further in person. Should parents feel their son/daughter is not making progress, they should contact Anne Wimpenny or the subject teacher.

Staff

Curriculum Coordinator for Humanities –Anne Wimpenny.

If you have any queries or wish for further information about Geography please contact Mrs Wimpenny.