Geography
Our Curriculum Aims
“Studying geography is more than just memorising places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. In the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together”. Barak Obama
Geography is a dynamic subject that spans the sciences, economics, mathematics other humanities and even the arts. At AGSB, geographers develop a wide variety of skills which include mapping, modelling, measuring, exploring, surveying, and critiquing — to analyse and help them understand the world around us. It’s a subject that feels both traditional and cutting-edge, offering enough variety to challenge and satisfy everyone.
We want our students to love studying geography! - the aim is to deliver exciting and thought-provoking lessons that ignite a lifelong curiosity and passion for the subject. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad and balanced, introducing students to a wide range of geographical knowledge and skills through carefully chosen topics. By the end of Key Stages 3, students have built strong foundations, have a secure understanding of the Key Concepts and Key Knowledge, and are well-prepared to engage and move on to more complex and theoretical concepts at KS4, A Level and for some – eventually, undergraduate level.
Geography provides a powerful lens through which to explore and understand some of the most pressing global issues of our time including climate emergency, global and social inequality, migration, rapid urbanisation and the biodiversity crisis. We aim to instil in our students a deep sense of responsibility towards the Earth and its diverse people and places.
To demonstrate their understanding and measure progress, students are challenged with a variety of assessment methods. We encourage retrieval, critical thinking and curiosity across all topics and our geography assessments will often require students to demonstrate:
- Analytical skills, problem-solving and decision-making abilities;
- Mapwork skills using Geographical Information Systems - ArcGIS software; and
- Written geographical enquiries and developing oracy skills through presentations.
These assessments help develop a range of analytical, practical, and communication skills that benefit students both within and beyond Geography.
FIELDWORK
Fieldwork is a vital component of Geography. At AGSB, we equip students with the technical skills and resilience to carry out investigations in both Human and Physical Geography. Field trips to places such as Llandudno, Salford Quays, Ancoats, the Lake District and Snowdonia aim to give students first-hand experience in gathering and analysing primary data. Students also learn to interpret secondary data to deepen their findings, using GIS from Key Stage 3 onwards.
We integrate ICT throughout fieldwork, enabling students to process, present, and evaluate their research effectively. These skills not only prepare students for higher-level Geography study but also empower them to see how research and data can drive meaningful change. By Key Stage 5, our aim is for every student to be capable of designing and conducting an independent fieldwork investigation, preparing them for further education and active, informed citizenship in a complex and dynamic world.