Geography is important, because it opens our eyes; a landscape is no longer a static feature, but a complex battleground of physical and human interactions. Local is no longer local, but a collision point for the interaction of many 'locals' drawn from a global stage. With technology increasingly drawing the world closer together, it is important that the role of geography in helping the public in understanding this complex and unpredictable world.

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Geography is the what of where. It is vitally important for understanding the world around us. Geographers question the world and seek to understand it, they explain why things are where they are. No other subject at school links so many factors together as one. Geographers learn vital skills like map reading, problem solving, decision making. They learn to link scientific factors alongside sociological, psychological and historical reasons for why the world is as it is. Geography is on the news everyday, from war in the Middle East, to closing of factories in the Midlands, to aftermath of hurricanes in the Caribbean, to global climate change the list in endless.

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For more information please email n.delaney@decschool.co.uk 

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​Curriculum & Assessment Details

Key Stage Three

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In year 7 and 8 (key stage 3) the pupils will study a range of topics that will help them to explore both physical and human geography; this will include modules such as:

• It’s your planet – How did it all begin?

• Globalisation

• Ecosystems

• All about the UK

• Plate tectonics (Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis)

• Africa – A continent of contrast

• Population, migration and urbanisation

The pupils will be assessed once every half term on the module that they are studying. This will be done through a KAO (Key Assessment Opportunity) and at the end of each term with an MAO (Major Assessment Opportunity) which will assess a range of modules that have been studied.

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FURTHER DETAILS LINK [ Geography Curriculum and Assessment Policy]

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Key Stage Four GCSE – Geography 

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In key stage 4 the pupils have the opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge that they have developed in key stage 3 through either a GCSE format.

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At Dame Elizabeth we follow the AQA GCSE Geography specification this is broken into three main strands:

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1. Unit One – Living with the physical environment (35% of the final GCSE grade)

2. Unit Two – Challenges in the human environment (35% of the final GCSE grade)

3. Unit Three – Geographical applications (30% of the final GCSE grade)#

As part of the GCSE course the pupils will undertake fieldwork which will allow them to explore the physical and human environment critically, whilst building upon their knowledge with real life examples. This may range from a river or coastal study, to a tourism enquiry or observing an urban regeneration project.

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Details of Extra-Curricular & Homework

Homework is at Key Stage 3 for our Year 7 and 8 pupils which allows them to explore geographical and cross-curricular concepts independently and in a greater depth producing a unique, personalised outcome of which our students take immense pride.

In Key Stage Four the pupils are set homework that will allow them to build on the skills that they have practised in a classroom setting, this can range from an extending piece of writing to practising exam technique or even some independent field investigation. Pupils will also be encouraged to independently read around the topic that they are studying.