Key Stage 3 Geography

Curriculum Content

Geography

In Year 7 the course is divided into a number of units of study which will develop basic geographic map skills such as direction, scale, symbols, map/grid references and contours. Furthermore, in Years 7, 8 and 9 we begin exploring the impacts of human and physical geography around the world.

The units we study are:

Year 7

  1. What is Geography?
  2. Map work.
  3. Weather and Climate.
  4. Rivers and Coastlines.
  5. Field Trip to Flamborough Head

Year 8

  1. Tectonic Hazards- earthquakes and volcanoes
  2. The Impact of Industry
  3. Urbanisation
  4. Field Work: Shopping Survey of Barton

Year 9

  1. Rivers and Flooding
  2. Health & Development
  3. Threatened Environments
  4. Managing Resources
  5. Tourism

Resources

For Years 7 and 8 a textbook is used: "Foundations" for Year 7 and "Connections" for Year 8. These are supplemented by a wide range of additional materials including atlases, worksheets, photographs, slides, DVDs, computer databases, PowerPoint presentations and spreadsheet programs.

The textbook used by Year 9 is "Interactions".

Teaching Methods

In all years pupils experience a variety of methods including written and oral work and group activities. We also use Information and Communication Technology (computer) programs, audio-visual materials, simulation exercises and fieldwork.

Skills and Knowledge

Your child will be encouraged to develop basis geographic skills of observation, recording, interpretation, map reading and drawing, information handling and data analysis. These skills will be used to show understanding of the different aspects of the course. Pupils will learn a basic geographic vocabulary and gain knowledge of the general location of places. In addition, your child will come to an understanding of world environments.

The units studied throughout KS3 and the assessments involved will enable your child to fulfil the requirements set out within the National Curriculum. To be successful your child must be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge within the following four area:

  1. Places: the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a wide range of places and environments, local to global, through a range of geographical skills.
  2. Patterns and process: the ability to demonstrate the differences between physical, human and environmental geography and how they all link to change places.
  3. Environmental change and sustainable development: the ability to appreciate the varied views on change and development and how these can be carried out in a sustainable manner.
  4. Skills and enquiry: the ability to work independently and as part of a team to investigate a place or an issue. Also to come up with a well thought out conclusion backed up with evidence.