Covering the National Curriculum through a series of projects students develop a firm understanding of geographical concepts and issues and begin to master many of the skills the study of Geography demands. At both Key Stage 3 and 4 the department organises field trips that brings to live many of the concepts the students have studied, and also develops their enthusiasm for the subject.
Geography
Geography is taught at Highgate Wood School through Year 7, 8 and 9, with many students then choosing it as an option for GCSE study.
Paper 1 Global Geographical Issues – 37.5%
A combination of structured and longer answers to assess three topics. These are:
- Hazardous Earth – Atmosphere and Climate, Tectonics.
- Development Dynamics – Inequalities studying the developing world.
- Challenges of an Urbanising World – A detailed study of mega cities.
Paper 2 UK Geographical Issues – 37.5%
Questions with a skills focus on the UK’s evolving physical and human landscape. This paper will also assess geographical enquiry through two fieldwork trips carried out in contrasting locations.
Paper 3 People and the Environment – 25%
This paper will focus on geographical problem solving and decision making. This will be done through three topics:
- People and the Biosphere.
- Forests under Threat.
- Energy Supply.
The GCSE syllabus has been chosen to provide students with a sound understanding of both physical and human geography with a focus on global issues. Students go on two field trips that will allow students to experience geographical investigations in real world situations.
Geography is a popular choice at A level, with many of our students then deciding to take their studies even further and major in the subject at university. Geography is the study of our planet; the interaction of the natural and the human world. If you are interested in the great issues of the day from globalisation to migration to climate then you will enjoy this course. The course is varied and wide ranging – taking students through studies of environmental science, sociology, politics, geology, economics and much more.
Geography A Level will involve at least two field trips, usually residential, to allow students to apply their theoretical understanding to real-life situations. Students will also devise, run and complete a research project of their choice.
Students take three externally sat exams and one non-examination assessment component.
Paper one:
Subject content:
- Tectonic Processes and Hazards
- Landscape Systems, Processes and Change – including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 2A: Glaciated Landscapes and Change or 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change
- The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
- The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Paper two
Subject content:
- Globalisation
- Shaping Places – including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 4A Regenerating Places or 4B Diverse Places
- Superpowers
- Global Development and Connections – including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 8A Health, Human Rights and Intervention or 8B Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
Paper three
Subject content:
The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas:
- Players
- Attitudes and actions
- Futures and uncertainties
Additional Information
The department plays a leading role in our eco-schools initiative, where we have already succeeded in reducing Highgate Wood School’s carbon footprint and are now looking at ways in which the school and student body can improve our environmental impact still further.
For more information on our curriculum in Geography, please contact Jennie Kingston: jki@hws.haringey.sch.uk