Geography
Overview of Geography
Geography is a crucial subdiscipline within the Humanities, focused on the study of Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. By exploring geographical patterns and processes, students gain a deeper understanding of how natural and human factors shape the world, and how these interactions influence both local and global scales.
Purpose of Geography
The primary purpose of studying Geography is to cultivate informed and empathetic global citizens who can critically analyse spatial patterns and understand their significance. Through the study of Geography, students learn about the interactions between natural environments and human societies, gaining insights into environmental processes, societal changes, and cultural landscapes. This knowledge helps students appreciate the complexities of the world and fosters a sense of connection to the broader human experience.
What makes Geography at TWA Special?
At The Wisbech Academy, we aim to create a vibrant learning environment where students can delve into the diverse aspects of geography, exploring physical landscapes, human-environment interactions, and global issues. By engaging with Geography, students develop critical thinking skills, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of how geographical factors shape the present and future. Our curriculum encourages students to analyse geographical data, understand different perspectives, and draw connections between geographical phenomena and contemporary issues. This approach not only enhances their appreciation of geography but also complements their scientific and technological education, ensuring they are well-rounded individuals prepared to navigate and contribute to a complex, interconnected world.
Aims
- Develop Geographical Knowledge and Understanding: Ensure students gain a coherent knowledge of the world’s diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, understanding significant geographical features and processes over time.
- Cultivate Critical Thinking Skills: Encourage students to analyse, evaluate, and synthesize geographical information from various sources to form well-rounded perspectives.
- Foster Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Promote understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, environments, and belief systems to build empathetic global citizens.
- Enhance Communication Skills: Improve students’ ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, through geographical analyses.
- Promote Personal and Social Responsibility: Build a sense of responsibility towards oneself, others, and the environment, encouraging active participation in the community through geographical understanding.
- Encourage Ethical and Moral Reasoning: Develop students’ ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and make informed decisions based on geographical contexts and values.
- Support Personal Development and Well-being: Equip students with the skills and knowledge to manage their personal well-being and navigate social and economic challenges through geographical insights.
- Prepare for Future Opportunities: Ensure students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful and fulfilling future, fostering confidence and self-belief through the study of geography.
- Understand Geographical Concepts: Teach students to understand and use geographical concepts such as location, place, scale, space, and interdependence to make connections and draw contrasts.
- Engage in Geographical Enquiry: Equip students with the methods of geographical enquiry, including how to use evidence rigorously to make geographical analyses and understand contrasting arguments and interpretations of geographical phenomena.
Welcome to KS3 Geography
At KS3 Geography, students embark on an exciting journey to explore the dynamic relationship between people, places, and the planet. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, build geographical knowledge, and develop the skills needed to understand and respond to the challenges of our changing world.
Year 7 Curriculum
In Year 7, students begin by exploring the fundamentals of geography—what it is, why it matters, and how it helps us make sense of the world. They develop essential skills in map reading, spatial awareness, and geographical enquiry, before diving into key topics such as weather and climate, population and settlement, and global development.
A highlight of the year is the exploration of diverse landscapes, where students challenge stereotypes and discover rich cultural and environmental diversity. They also investigate local and global population trends, learning how migration, urbanisation, and demographic change shape communities.
Year 7 Topics include:
- Introduction to Geography: What is geography and why is it important?
- Map Skills: Grid references, scale, and fieldwork
- Weather & Climate: How weather works and how climate is changing?
- Population Studies: How and why populations grow and move?
Year 8 Curriculum
In Year 8, students build on their foundational knowledge to explore more complex geographical processes and global issues. They begin with urbanisation, examining how cities grow and the challenges they face. This is followed by a deep dive into sustainability, where students consider how we can balance human needs with environmental protection.
Students also study tectonic hazards, learning about earthquakes, volcanoes, and the human responses to natural disasters. Throughout the year, they engage in fieldwork, data analysis, and critical thinking, preparing them for more advanced geographical study.
Year 8 Topics include:
- Urbanisation: Why are cities growing and what challenges do they face?
- Sustainability: How can we live more sustainably?
- Tectonic Hazards: What causes earthquakes and volcanoes?
- Human-Environment Interaction: How do people shape and respond to their environment?
Our Approach
Across KS3, students develop key geographical skills such as:
- Map reading and spatial analysis
- Data interpretation and fieldwork techniques
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
We encourage students to think globally and act locally, fostering a sense of responsibility and curiosity about the world. Whether exploring the streets of Wisbech or the diverse biomes of the globe, KS3 Geography helps students understand the forces shaping our planet and their role in its future.