Geography

"As a young man, my fondest dream was to become a Geographer. However, whilst working in the customs office I thought deeply about the matter and concluded it was too difficult a subject. With some reluctance I then turned to Physics as a substitute."

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

About the Department

The department is well equipped, 2 of the 3 classrooms have interactive whiteboards, videos, DVD players and data projectors, network points and wireless internet connection for students laptops. The 3^rd classroom is currently undergoing refurbishment and for the short term the Key Stage 3 Geography will be taught in the new ICT suite.

As well as the basic classroom facilities the department boasts its own electronic weather station, an excellent geography library, (used as a sixth form study base) small computer room and as of September 2009 a new set of class lap tops to ensure ICT provision throughout all key stages which can now be integrated into the schemes of work. The use of GIS is also now being implemented in the department through the use of the Digital World's software, particularly in the sixth form courses.

Teaching and Learning

Geography is an increasingly relevant and ever popular subject at GCSE, AS and A-level. Many Sixth form Geographers go on to study the subject at University and beyond.

AS level Geography may be studied in the Lower Sixth year and by Upper Sixth formers if their timetable permits. The course consists of 3 parts: Physical Environments, Human environments and Geographical skills. We follow the AQA syllabus. Core topics include a Fluvial studies and River Management and Population. Option studies taught to date include Glacial landscapes and Health and Food supply. A wide subject base indeed!

The A2 follows on from the AS level and consists of a physical section where a choice of Plate Tectonics and Natural Hazards, Ecosystems and Atmospheric studies are offered and on the human side of the course World cities and Global Urbanisation is the main focus.

During both the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth years there is a compulsory examination paper which involves an understanding of Geographical skills. Taught within the framework of the core and option material are a diverse set of skills based on graphical, statistical and interpretational proficiency. Many pupils who go on to study a wide range of university degrees find the skills set they have learnt through sixth form Geography invaluable.

At present the new GCSE starts September 2009, which means we will be running different courses in the 4^th and 5^th form.

Those starting GCSE Geography in September 2009 will follow the structure outlined below. The GCSE is a two year course studied in the Fourth and Fifth forms. The Edexcel A course is followed. The new GCSE has given us a wider choice of topics to study as well as new and up to date political and global issues, such as climate change are studied. 2 units will be examined at the end of the 4^th year. 50% of the course will be sat during the Summer term of the 4^th form year and the other 50% at the 5^th form year. 25% of this final year is coursework, which has change to a controlled assessment which happens in class time. The exam bard offer a selection of different questions each year and the department chose which are suitable to local area study. GCSE is a very popular option for GCSE choice. June 2009 results were outstanding with 70% of pupils achieving and A* or A grade.

The Second and Third Form syllabus is an internally written one and tries as much as possible to prepare the pupils for their GCSE course, whilst also maintaining am emphasis on more practical, fun activities, poster making, model making and ICT.

Activities/ Workshops

Last year fieldtrips included trips to the following destinations: Portobello, the Lake District, the Innerleithen Water, Edinburgh, the Leith Docks, Yellowcraigs dune system and the Logan's farm.

The Department offer drop in workshops for students to seek help on coursework, homework or any difficulty they may be having with classwork. These workshops take place in time slots on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes and it is possible for the junior and senior pupils to take advantage of these workshops.

Anna Peak, Head of Geography

Geography Graduate of the University of Exeter 2001, Anna taught Geography and was Assistant Housemistress at Epsom College from 2001-2005. She left the SE of England to teach in SE Asia at Garden International School, Thailand. She spent two years traveling SE Asia from her teaching base in Thailand. Anna has also spent two years working as a Dive Master in the Red Sea.

Dennis Dickinson.

A very experinced school master Dennis came up from the Nippers in 2006 and teaches 2^nd and 3^rd form Geography. He is also Housemaster of School House, as well as an experienced rugby, hockey and cricket coach. This year he will also be teaching the London Learning IT classes.