Geography - Outwood Academy Portland

In the Geography department we are passionate about our subject and we strive to create exciting, imaginative and inspiring experiences that support students in their Geographical learning. The study of Geography is a diverse and thrilling experience which is vital to young people today. It allows students to develop an excellent understanding of a wide range of factors which have shaped the world today, while also supporting a greater understanding of the world we live in today and developing empathy and understanding of the greater global community.

Staff

Name	Role
Mr D. Briggs	Head of Geography and Second in Humanities
Miss E McLelland	Teacher of Geography
Mr G. Robson	Teacher of Geography

Years 7 & 8

The Geography course in years 7 & 8 provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to access the AQA GCSE (9-1) Geography course in years 9,10 & 11. Students cover a wide range of subjects which build the foundation for learning needed for a successful GCSE course such as key Geographical skills, and key themes in physical and human Geography. Students will also begin to practise the vital exam skills which are needed in the GCSE course such as questions which ask students to make an informed choice about a topic and justify their answer.

Changes to the GCSE specification means that it is now vital that students have global awareness and a wide variety of skills. These skills are built in to all topic areas however it is useful if years 7 & 8 students build their own knowledge at home. Ways to do this include watching the news regularly, studying maps and locating places and researching countries.

	Praising Stars 1 (1/2 term 1)	Praising Stars 2 (1/2 Term 2)	Praising Stars 3 (1/2 term 3)	Praising Stars 4 (1/2 Term 4)	Praising Stars 5 (1/2 term 5)	Praising Stars 6 (1/2 Term 6)
Year 7	*Introduction to Geography and Why is Geography in the news?*	*Why are ecosystems so different?*	*Is there a development gap?*	*How do landscapes change over time?*	*How are Africa and Asia different?*	*How am I linked to climate change?*
Year 8	*How Great is Britain?*	*How risky are natural hazards?*	*Migration: problem or solution*	*Physical landscapes: thriving or surviving?*	*Are cities sustainable?*	*What's the problem with resources?*

If you would like further information about the topics and themes being taught please contact: Mr David Briggs (Head of Geography) or email d.briggs@portland.outwood.com

Years 9, 10 & 11

AQA GCSE (9-1) in Geography

The GCSE Geography course enables students to deepen their understanding of the physical and human processes that affect our planet. Link: AQA GCSE Geography

The course has three exams in the summer of Year 11. They are as follows:

Unit 1: Living with the physical environment

The challenge of natural hazards - tectonic and weather hazards
The living World - tropical rainforests & hot deserts
Physical landscapes in the UK – coasts & rivers

Unit 2: The Human Environment

Urban issues and challenges – slums, urban growth, regeneration & sustainable living
Changing economic world – the development gap, TNCs and the north/south divide
Challenge of resource management – water

Unit 3: Geographical Applications

Issue evaluation – based on a pre-release booklet issues 12 weeks in advance
Fieldwork – based on both human and physical data collection

If you would like further information about the topics and themes being taught please contact: Mr David Briggs (Head of Geography) or email d.briggs@portland.outwood.com

Exam; Living with the Physical Environment (35%)	Exam; The Human Environment (35%)	Exam; Geographical Applications (30%)
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG))	Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG))	Written Exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 76 marks (including 6 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG)) Pre-release resources booklet made available 12 weeks before Paper 3 exam