Year 7

In Year 7, students begin by exploring how economies operate from local to global scales, investigating manufacturing, farming, trade and globalisation. They examine how countries are connected through international trade and how products move around the world. This provides students with a strong foundation in human geography and introduces key concepts that recur throughout Key Stage 3. Students then investigate natural resources and sustainability, learning how people depend upon resources such as water, food, forests, minerals and energy. They explore how resources are distributed across the world and consider the challenges of increasing demand and sustainable management. The curriculum then moves to weather and climate, where students learn the difference between weather and climate and study the processes that create weather systems. They collect and interpret weather data whilst developing their understanding of how climates vary around the world. Students also study Earth's natural systems, including the rock cycle, water cycle and carbon cycle. They investigate global biomes, tropical rainforests and oceans, developing an understanding of how physical systems are interconnected and how human activity can impact the environment. Later in the year, students explore river landscapes, examining how rivers shape the land through erosion, transportation and deposition. They investigate flooding, river management and the importance of rivers to both people and ecosystems, whilst developing geographical enquiry and fieldwork skills. The year concludes with a regional study of Russia, where students investigate the country's climate, biomes, population distribution, economy and natural resources. They evaluate whether Russia's geography creates more opportunities or challenges, including its growing interest in the Arctic. 

Year 8

Building on their understanding of physical and human geography, Year 8 students begin by investigating population change and distribution. They study population density, demographic transition models and population pyramids, exploring how and why populations change over time. Students also consider the challenges associated with population growth, ageing populations and resource consumption. Students then examine coastal landscapes, investigating the processes of erosion, transportation and deposition that shape coastlines. Using Holderness as a case study, they explore the impact of coastal erosion and evaluate different management strategies. The curriculum then focuses on migration and urbanisation, where students investigate why people move and how migration changes places. They explore push and pull factors, the growth of cities and the opportunities and challenges created by urbanisation. Students also study tectonic processes and natural hazards, developing an understanding of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes. They investigate how different communities prepare for and respond to hazards, whilst evaluating strategies used to reduce risk. The year concludes with studies of development and the changing geography of Asia. Students explore why levels of development vary around the world before examining how economic growth, urbanisation, population change, deforestation and globalisation are transforming Asia in the twenty-first century. 

Year 9

In Year 9, students begin with a study of glaciation, learning how ice has shaped landscapes through erosion and deposition. Using the Lake District as a case study, they investigate evidence of past glaciation and explore the opportunities these landscapes provide today. Students then complete a regional study of the Middle East, exploring the physical and human geography of one of the world's most significant regions. They investigate climate, water scarcity, population diversity, economic development and geopolitical challenges using a range of contemporary case studies. The curriculum also examines whether natural disasters are truly natural, using examples such as earthquakes, tropical cyclones and flooding. Students evaluate how poverty, vulnerability and decision-making can influence the impact of hazards on people and places. Students then study Africa, investigating the opportunities and challenges facing countries across the continent. Topics include climate, biomes, population growth, urbanisation, development and the influence of global connections on future growth. Later in the year, students explore climate change, examining the evidence, causes and consequences of a changing climate. They evaluate different responses to climate change and consider the choices societies must make in the future. The final unit prepares students for GCSE Geography through the study of contemporary geographical challenges, drawing together knowledge and skills from across Key Stage 3 and applying them to real-world issues and decision-making activities. 

Key Stage 4 (GCSE Geography)

Our GCSE Geography course follows the AQA GCSE Geography (8035) specification and develops students' understanding of the physical and human processes that shape the world around us. Students explore contemporary geographical issues, investigate real-world case studies and develop the analytical, evaluative and decision-making skills required for success at GCSE and beyond.

Year 10

In Year 10, students study Physical Landscapes in the UK, focusing on rivers and coasts. They investigate the processes that shape these landscapes, the landforms that develop and the management strategies used to reduce risks such as flooding and coastal erosion. Students also study The Living World, exploring ecosystems, tropical rainforests and hot desert environments. They examine the relationships between people and environments and evaluate strategies used to manage fragile ecosystems sustainably. As part of Urban Issues and Challenges, students investigate global urbanisation and the growth of cities, considering both the opportunities and challenges associated with urban development in the UK and around the world. Students complete both human and physical fieldwork enquiries, developing skills in data collection, presentation, statistical analysis and evaluation that are essential for GCSE success. 

Year 11

In Year 11, students study The Challenge of Natural Hazards, investigating tectonic and atmospheric hazards, climate change and strategies used to manage risk and improve resilience. They also complete The Changing Economic World, exploring global development, economic inequality and the changing UK economy, alongside The Challenge of Resource Management, where students investigate issues of food, water and energy security.  A significant focus is placed on revision, synoptic thinking and decision-making, preparing students for Paper 3 and the GCSE examinations. Students refine their ability to analyse evidence, interpret unfamiliar resources and construct well-supported geographical arguments.

 

Learning Journeys

Year 7 Geography Learning Journey

Year 8 Geography Learning Journey

Year 9 Geography Learning Journey

Year 10 Geography Learning Journey

Year 11 Geography Learning Journey

To find out more about our Geography curriculum, please contact Mr W Davidson, Head of Humanities and MFL, by emailing wdavidson@westcraven.co.uk or phoning the main office to arrange a call back.