Y9 Geography

Head of Department
Mrs Mardell-Burns

Organisation of the subject:

Pupils have 2x 50 minute lessons a week.

Key Concepts (The big ideas underpinning the subject)

Geographical concepts such as the interaction between physical and human processes and the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Pupils will use these skills to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends and interpret a range of sources of geographical information using maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Understanding of the methods of geographical enquiry in order to communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
Consolidation and extension of knowledge of the world’s major countries and gaining an awareness of increasingly complex geographical systems in the world.

What will your child be learning?

In the Autumn Term, Year 9 complete a topic on Global Development in which they investigate varying levels of development around the world and the ways in which development can be measured. This is followed by a focus on the United States of America, with pupils covering a variety of sub-topics from how the USA cope with natural disasters and how this links with their level of development to their status as one of the most influential superpowers. Economic Change and Population is then covered, providing pupils with the skills essential for Key Stage 4 study. The spring term then starts with a topic on coastal environments which covers coastal processes, issues with coastal erosion and coastal flooding through the study of the latest examples. The next area of study in Year 9 is an investigation into physical and human interactions in China and India, where pupils are reintroduced to the idea of superpower nations and are given the opportunity to research China and India’s status as emerging powers. Finally, students engage in a topic about the future of planet earth, and get the opportunity to investigate some of the environmental issues facing the planet, including natural and anthropogenic climate change.

Key 'Learning Capacities' in this subject

Be able to work both independently and collaboratively, both in the classroom and on location during fieldwork.
Develop confidence in answering questions and asking for help when required.
Apply techniques used in previous years and in other subjects.
Inspire pupils’ curiosity to learn more about the world around them.

How will your child be learning?

Small group work
Independent research
One to one discussions with teachers
Extended projects
Fieldwork opportunities (of both a human and a physical geography nature)

How will learning be assessed?

Monitoring homework and classwork.
Regular assessments per that work to consolidate learning and allow for pupils to identify strengths and weaknesses in their geographical studies.
Peer and self assessment opportunities.

What can you do to support your child?

Support homework through research and encourage pupils to look in a variety of places
Make reference to place knowledge during discussions with your child
Foster an environment of interest in geography by watching geographical programmes about a variety of places and spaces.
Engage in discussions about what leaning has taken place

Equipment needed for this subject

Pens, pencils, ruler, highlighters, coloured pencils, calculator (on occasion)

Extra-Curricular/Enrichment Opportunities

Opportunities for local field trips