The Geography Department

• Introduction
• GCSE Geography
• AS & A2 Geography
  

Introduction

Our aim is to teach Geography in a relevant, engaging and challenging way that stimulates an interest in, understanding of, and respect for the world around us. Our schemes of work are designed to enable students to learn a range of geographical skills and develop informed views about environmental and development issues on a local to global scale. We believe that fieldwork is a vital part of geographical education and so we offer a varied and exciting programme of local, regional and overseas trips. Geography is a popular option at GCSE and A-Level, and many of our students have gone on to study Geography or related subjects at university. The department is well resourced with a variety of textbooks, videos, DVDs, magazines, and field work equipment.

The Central Philosophy and Aims of the Department

• To take a positive, proactive approach to the teaching of Geography which engenders an enthusiastic response from the pupils and a desire to learn about the subject – this requires the use of a wide range of teaching and learning styles especially including the use of integrated ICT, questioning of the status quo and supported independent learning.
  
• To create an environment where both staff and pupils regard the work and subject matter as interesting, fun and non-threatening, and which is equally enjoyable and approachable to all abilities.
  
• To inculcate in pupils a deep appreciation and understanding of the differences and difficulties experienced in the wide range of cultures and societies that exist, with a view to discussing ways in which the quality of life and value of individuals can be enhanced.
  
• To develop in pupils a rich appreciation of the natural environment and an understanding of the impact of their own ‘ecological footprint’ on the Earth’s resources and systems. In essence, to encourage good stewardship of God’s creation.
  
• To achieve strong positive Value Added results at both GCSE and A-Level, accompanied by high achievements in terms of public exam grades and university entrance.
  
• To maintain the Department as a centre of excellence in the generation of fieldwork projects at both GCSE and A-Level

Hurstpierpoint College Automated Weather Station

We are currently awaiting delivery of our new automated weather station. This will be connected to the school computer network and hopefully the school website so that students can monitor the weather in real time and access a data archive. A team of students will look after the weather station and produce weekly weather reports for the school. Watch this space!

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GCSE Geography

The Physical modules include Plate Tectonics, Rivers, Coasts and Glaciation. The Human Modules include Population, Towns & Cities & Managing Resources. There are two exam papers in Geography: Paper 1 tests general geographical skills such as mapwork and photo interpretation and pupils then have a choice of three physical topics. Paper 2 tests knowledge and understanding of the human geography topics. All GCSE pupils also complete a geographical investigation based on fieldwork and worth 25% of the overall marks.

 

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AS and A Level Geography

Students learn about the physical and human processes that affect places and environments. It involves the investigation of aspects of physical, human and environmental Geography, analysis of them by collecting and interpreting data, and communication of findings. Geography contains all the skills that employers consider important. Geographical information is now used in many businesses - Geographical Information Systems are an exciting interface between Geography and Information and Communications Technology. Although nearly all students who take Geography at this level have obtained a good GCSE pass (A*-B) in the subject, those who wish to re-acquaint themselves with the subject, or who have no prior knowledge of it, are still encouraged to join the course. The approach taken at A Level is very different from GCSE, and previous knowledge is only a part of achieving success – enthusiasm in the subject and for studying, as well as a willingness to participate in class, are just as important.

This course is designed to emphasise the unity of Geography. In order to achieve an understanding of the complex inter-relationships between people and the environment it is first essential to provide a sound knowledge and understanding of physical and human Geography. To that end the AS (Lower Sixth) course provides a coherent course in physical and human Geography, promotes an investigative approach, and lays a sound foundation for further study at A2 (Upper Sixth) level.

The AS part of the course forms 50% of the assessment weighting of the full A-Level. It is assessed at a standard between GCSE and A Level, and can be taken on its own or as the first part of the full A-Level Geography course. The A2 units provide opportunities for candidates to study selected aspects of the subject at greater depth, and to develop their investigative skills. Fieldtrips will be an integral part of the course. There is likely to be a weekend residential trip and at least two day visits. In the Lower Sixth there are two examinations of 1 1/2 hours each. The first is Changing Physical Environments (25% of A level).This is three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests f research/fieldwork. The second is Changing Human Environments (25% of A level). This again is three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests research/fieldwork.

In the Upper Sixth there are two exams; the first one (30% of the A level) is a 2 ¼ hour exam on Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography. This is two essay questions from each optional theme and one based on an individual research enquiry. The second one (1 ¾ hours) (20% of the A level) is on Sustainability and is a synoptic paper paper using pre-release material. Sustainable Food Supply, Sustainable Water Supply, Sustainable Energy and Sustainable Cities.

Higher Education and Career Opportunities

Geography incorporates a wide range of data handling and decision-making skills, greatly sought after by employers who need people with the ability to problem solve and provide solutions. It is also a subject which complements both Arts and Science subjects at A Level and degree level, and as a degree in its own right it is regarded as a valuable basis for further study, e.g. for professions like Law. Geography and related courses are extremely popular at universities. Almost all the top name universities have very strong Geography Departments. Career opportunities are very wide-ranging, but include jobs in business and financial management, retail organisation, logistics, urban planning and estate management, environmental management and geosciences, teaching, the Armed Forces, leisure and travel services.

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