Mrs J Arman (Head of Department)

Mr A McCulloch

Mrs S Conlon

Geography is taught across the Key Stages in the newly constructed Geography Block. The department has 3 rooms each equipped with interactive whiteboards. Geography is taught in mixed ability groups and becomes optional at GCSE.

Engaging with the wider world is one of the strengths of this subject and of this department. Examples are: Year 8 have fieldwork studying river quality of the River Dour, Year 10s have fieldwork at Courtland’s, a local sheep farm and there is an investigation of the geography (human and physical) of the Dover area. There is also a very popular bi-annual Department trip to the Bay of Naples, including study of Vesuvius and Capri.

At Key Stage 3 girls follow the National Curriculum.

At GCSE girls follow the WJEC course. There are two Units and coursework (worth 25%). Unit 1 is The Fragile World which focuses on physical systems and environmental issues. Topics include: ice, rivers, the sea, weather, climate and tourism and sustainable development. Unit 2 is The Interdependent World which focuses on economic activities and global inequalities. Topics include: urban development and global citizenship. Coursework is a Geographical Investigation. Girls plan the enquiry; collect, record and present appropriate evidence; interpret and analyse it and then draw and justify conclusions.

At A Level girls follow the Edexcel course. The 3 AS modules are Changing Landforms and Their Management, Managing Change in Human Environment, and an Environmental Investigation as coursework. The 3 A2 modules are: Global Challenge, Researching Global Futures (as coursework) and a synoptic Issues Analysis.

The course favours students who have an interest in world affairs. Fieldwork is compulsory and integral. Geography is topical – the tsunami , relevant – the effect of out-of-town outlets like Bluewater, and useful – Geography draws together techniques of research, planning, communication and presentation that employers demand today.