Geography
BackGeography Curriculum Intent
“Geography should inspire students to be fascinated about the world and its people.
We will equip students with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments together with a deep understanding of the earth’s key physical and human processes and the interactions that exist between them. ”
For more details about the humanities curriculum, please email vicki.dooley@macclesfieldacademy.org
We are a forward-thinking and enthusiastic department that incorporates a number of different curriculum subject areas. We believe that the Humanities are at the forefront of an ever-changing world and have a huge responsibility in preparing young people for life after school.
Department Aims
- Provide challenging and enjoyable experiences for all pupils
- Recognise that people’s lives are influenced by beliefs, aspirations, values, their environment and the actions of themselves and others
- Promote an interest in other people, encourage empathy and respect for their values and ways of life
- Promote an understanding of the social and environmental processes that have shaped the world in which we live
- Emphasise the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations
- Foster personal qualities such as curiosity, open-mindedness, co-operation, concern for others, critical decision making and responsibility
- Develop a range of skills and competencies through enquiry approaches, fieldwork investigations and other practical activities.
GCSE Geography
We follow the AQA Geography Specification.
Examination: there are three exams. Each exam will have a range of questions from multiple choice to extended answers. Geographical skills will be examined across all 3 papers.
Paper 1: Living with the physical environment (35%), 1 hour 30 minutes
In this unit students will be studying the challenges of natural hazards, the living world and coastal and river landscapes in the UK.
Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment (35%), 1 hour 30 minutes
In this unit students will be studying urban issues & challenges, the changing economic world and food and water resource management.
Paper 3: Geographical applications (30%), 1 hour 30 minutes
Paper 3 involves synoptic questions about an issue that will also link to parts of the core specification. A pre-release booklet will be issued which students will familiarise themselves with before the exam.
Fieldwork skills will also be assessed on paper 3 through unfamiliar contexts and relating to the fieldtrip (s) we will go on over the course of the year.
Extra-Curricular
Revision sessions at KS4 are timetabled before/ after school and during lunch at appropriate times.