THE FOREST SCHOOL- CURRICULUM SUMMARY 2016-2017
SUBJECT NAME: Geography
General Summary
"Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future" - Michael Palin
Geography at The Forest provides a key insight into the world around us. Focusing on both Human
and Physical themes we seek to examine, interpret and explain the ever changing world around us.
Our aim is to provide our students with the skills to enable them to form their own unique view on
the world, underpinned by clear and consistent evidence.
KS3
At key stage 3 students study Geography for four hours a fortnight in year’s 7 & 8 and for three
hours a fortnight in year 9.
In year 7 we begin by looking at map skills, early settlements and their development and a country
study of the USA. Whilst in physical geography we look at rivers, and flooding.
In year 8 students build upon their work in year 7, and look at more distinct themes. In physical
geography we examine Weather and Climate and how we manage our changing coastline. In human
geography we examine population change, the geography of Crime, and how life adapts to live in
extreme environments.
In year 9 students start to look at more complex topics. In physical geography this includes
Volcanoes and Earthquakes, Coral Reefs and Limestone landscapes. In human geography we look at
Brazil and the challenge of energy production and supply
KS4
We follow the AQA Syllabus leading to a GCSE in Geography. A majority of students are keen to take
the subject forward to GCSE.
The work we undertake at KS3 seeks to form the basis of further study and the skills taught underpin
the more complex work required at GCSE.
In Physical geography we study: The challenge of natural hazards, Rivers and Glaciers and the Living
world.
In Human Geography we study: Urban issues and challenges, The changing economic world, and the
Development gap.
There are two equally weighted exams which account for 70% of the total grade, and a skills paper
which assesses fieldwork and synopticity which is 30%.
KS5
At A Level we follow the EdExcel Geography syllabus.
In year one students will study Human and Physical topics separately with a subject specialist within
the department.
In Human Geography we look at Globalisation and Regenerating place.
In Physical geography we study Tectonic hazards and the Coastal zone.
In year two students look at the following:
In Physical geography students study water cycles and insecurity and Energy change.
In Human geography students examine Superpowers and their dominance, as well as looking at
migration, sovereignty and change.
There are four days of compulsory fieldwork for the A Level course
Any other useful info
Fieldwork is essential in contextualising learning, and we believe this is fundamental to our students
understanding of geography:
In Year 7 local fieldwork is undertaken at Dinton Pastures
In Year 8 students visit Hengistbury Head to examine coastal processes
In Year 9 we visit Cheddar Gorge to look at how Limestone landscapes form, and continue to
influence the environment.
At GCSE we change or fieldwork depending on the demands of the topic, however we have visited
coastal sites in recent years, as well as local fieldwork in Wokingham.
At A Level there is a four day fieldwork course which leads to the completion of an individual study.
A Bi-annual trip to Iceland is run by the department and continues to enthral students with its
magnificent landscape and stunning scenery.