Staff:
- Mrs J Greenaway (Head of Department)
- Miss T Gillespie
- Miss E Diaz Morris
Vision:
The aim of the Geography Department is to create an awareness and appreciation of the world around us, and to provide a framework for understanding it through various Geographical processes and concepts. It is hoped that through the study of Geography, there will be a progression in students’ knowledge of places and of Physical and Human Geography.
Key Stage 3:
At KS3, students begin with the Geography of Northern Ireland and from there progress to European Geography in Year 9 and then to issues at a global scale by Year 10. Topics such as map skills are taught progressively through all 3 Year groups; starting with basic map skills in Year 8, followed by latitude and longitude in Year 9 and an evaluation of various map projections in Year 10. There is an introduction to various Physical and Human Geographical topics each year, with reference to Geology, coasts, rivers, weather, Tectonics, migration and Urban Geography, all of which provide a foundation for further study of Geography at GCSE level, using the CCEA specification. There will also be an opportunity for fieldwork for each year group.
Key Stage 4:
Students follow the CCEA GCSE specification which includes:
Unit 1 – Physical Geography – examined in Year 11 (worth 40%):
- Theme A - River Environments
- Theme B – Coastal Environments
- Theme C – Our Changing Weather and Climate
- Theme D – The Restless Earth
Unit 2 – Human Geography – examined in Year 12 (worth 40%):
- Theme A: Population and Migration
- Theme B: Changing Urban Areas
- Theme C: Contrasts in World Development
- Theme D: Managing our Environment.
Unit 3 – Fieldwork Techniques (worth 20%) based on an investigation of urban characteristics in Belfast.
Key Stage 5:
Geography: students follow the GCE specification which includes:
AS Human and Physical Geography in Year 13 (worth 40% of the A Level) with 3 examinations including a Fieldwork exam. There is also a one day, river study for data collection.
A2 Human and Physical Geography in Year 14, with 3 examinations including a Decision Making Exercise paper. There is also a residential fieldtrip.
Travel and Tourism: students study for a BTEC which includes coursework and an examination.
