Geography Humanities Department Intent The Humanities Department at Lathom aims to develop students’ understanding of, and curiosity about, the world around them. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary to investigate, analyse and interpret the modern world. Through their study of Geography, History, Religion and World Views and Citizenship students will learn about how our globalized world has been shaped and is continually changing. They will have the opportunity to explore enquiry questions, think critically and communicate effectively. Geography Intent “An understanding of the natural world and the people in it is a source of not only great curiosity but also great fulfilment” – Sir David Attenborough There has never been a more important time to study Geography. With huge interest in issues that affect us all, such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and globalisation the study of Geography is a gateway to understanding the world around us. Within Humanities we aim to provide our students with opportunities to appreciate and try to make sense of the world around us and develop a sense of place. Students are encouraged to ask as well as answer questions, and at the heart of our geographical study is engaging students with the global issues of today, such as the threat of climate change, and how we can manage and protect our world in a sustainable way. The Geography Curriculum is underpinned by these core principles: The curriculum offered to students will be accessible to all and provide all students with opportunities to be challenged, to think hard and to extend their learning Students should be equipped with the necessary analytical and evaluative skills to succeed in the modern world, therefore should develop an understanding of physical processes that have shaped the world we live in, and how humans have had an impact on our physical environment Students should be given access to a wide-ranging curriculum that covers geographical skills Students are able to define a range of physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes We will give opportunities for all students to: collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length Key Stage 3 Students at KS3 receive four lessons a fortnight, and homework which is designed to support the learning that takes place in the classroom. The progress of students is monitored regularly through classwork and homework, and there are assessments completed at an appropriate stage in each unit of work. Key Stage 4 Students can opt to study GCSE Geography. Students will follow the AQA syllabus, with three units which will be examined at the end of Y11. These are: Living with the physical environment Challenges in the human environment Geographical applications. Enrichment Opportunities Use of film clips and documentaries Local fieldwork visits to gather and explain data Use of geographical equipment to gather data Visits such as Liverpool city centre, Crosby beach, the Tawd Valley How to Support your Child’s Learning You can support your child with their homework, and by asking questions about what they are studying in school. You can read or watch the news and discuss any issues linked to Geography, such as weather hazards, climate change and environmental destruction. Where to visit locally Tawd Valley Park Ruff Wood Crosby Beach Formby Beach The Lake District Liverpool One Salford Quays Jodrell Bank What to watch Documentaries by David Attenborough – many are available on BBC iPlayer National Geographic channel TV News programmes There are a number of films linked to themes that we cover in Geography. Here are a few enjoyed by our teachers: Dante’s Peak – A film that shows many features of a volcano The Day after Tomorrow – A temperature rise in the Arctic causes erratic weather around the world before resulting in a killer drop to freezing temperatures. Slumdog Millionaire – A peak into life in shanty towns in India Twister – Storm chasers have to work together to create a weather – warning system, whilst coping with the effects of tornadoes. What to listen to Internet Geography podcastGeography Revision podcastAsk the Geographer What to read National Geographic magazine No-one is too small to make a difference by Greta Thunberg – A collection of Greta Thunberg’s inspiring speeches about the global climate crisis. Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall – An exploration of how Geography influences the politics of our world We are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee girls around the world by Malala Yousafzai – Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, shares both her own story and those of girls she has met who have been displaced. There is no Planet B by Mike Berners-Lee – An exploration of the global challenges that we face, with interesting suggestions of how humanity might thrive continuing to live on earth. When the Rivers Run Dry by Fred Pearce – A book about the global water crisis, with ideas about how it can be solved. Useful Websites Royal Geographical Society National Geographic AQA Seneca Learning GCSE Seneca Learning KS3 Potential Careers Geography is great for any kind of career that involves the environment, planning, or collecting and interpreting data. Conservation Environmental Planning Surveying Sustainability Tourism Town Planning Transport Planning Waste Management Water Management Weather Forecasting Curriculum Overview
