Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
Geography
“Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic & relevant. For me, geography is a great adventure with purpose.”
Michael Palin (RGS president 2009-2012)
In line with the national curriculum we believe “a high-quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.” It is a fundamental belief of the department that studying geography provides our students with a unique and distinct set of skills and knowledge that are an essential part of EVERY student’s education
Key Concepts
Geography is underpinned by a series of key concepts – place, space, scale, interdependence, physical and human processes, sustainability and cultural understanding and diversity. Understanding the ways in which these concepts link to each other and provide distinct ways of viewing the world are essential to developing the geographers of the future.
Key Skills
Geography is fundamentally about understanding places at a variety of scales. The geographic skills which develop this understanding are:
Description – being able to see patterns and processes and make sense of unfamiliar data.
Graphical literacy – use a variety of graphical techniques to both present and interpret data including map skills
Fieldwork – develop our understanding of real world issues but conducting fieldwork and developing the associated skills
Synthesis of ideas – drawing togethering information from a variety of sources and topic areas to help develop a deeper understanding of place.
Locational knowledge – developing students ability to know and retain and understanding of where places are in the world which then opens the door to so much further knowledge retention.
Concise communication – being able to share and explain ideas in a concise manner using a wide range of subject specific terminology.
What is taught?
The Geography curriculum is designed to allow students to develop their geographic understanding and locational knowledge in a logical and structured way, expanding from local to global and with increasing levels of depth and complexity. Underpinning this is a development of students appreciation of how geography’s key concepts are develop over time.
Curriculum Progression in Geography
Academic Literacy in Geography
We have key concepts in rooms to help remind students of key terms, overview sheet for all topics which contain some of the essential terminology for each unit, knowledge recall literacy as part of day to day practice, encourage wider reading and make sure subject specific language is being used in class.
Students are encouraged to extend their interest in Geography by…
Keeping up to date with global events/affairs by reading/listening to high quality news outlets
Engage in activities which develop their interests in geographically themed areas – travel, leisure, food, culture.
Watch documentaries, TV and Film that develops understanding of geographic themes
Be inquisitive and excited about understanding the world around you!
Enrichment Opportunities
Geography run a variety of fieldtrips across all phases to enhance students learning experience. In addition there is a Geo-Club run by our Sixth Form prefects which provides subject support and extra-curricular opportunities such as geographic games and competitions. We also seek to run regular overseas extended visits to geographically relevant countries such as Iceland.
Careers Guidance and Support for Geography:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/geography
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/subject/geography