Geography
KEY STAGE 3
At all stages of their geography course, a variety of teaching and learning methods are used, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and geographical enquiry. Students are encouraged to achieve a good understanding of the human and physical landscape from a local to a global scale. They continue to develop an awareness of the changing environment and its impact upon everyday life.
Our Goal: “At Huxlow every individual is empowered to fulfil their potential”
To fulfil your potential at Key Stage 3 you should:
- Complete homework and tasks set to the best of your ability. Homework projects are set at the beginning of each term as well as occasional weekly tasks and students are expected to manage their time to meet deadlines
- Take part in activities and trips
- Take an interest in the world around you by watching the news or downloading the BBC news app
- Attend Accelerated Learner workshops that are run during the year
KEY STAGE 4
GCSE students will follow the OCR GCSE Geography A: Geographical Themes course.
The course allows students to develop their problem solving and decision making skills and focus on geographical issues that are relevant to their generation. Students are also able to develop their knowledge and understanding of physical and human geography and the links between the different elements.
Our values #2: “Everyone is ambitious and welcomes the challenge of being the best they can”
To be the best you can be at Key Stage 4 you should:
- Complete homework set every week - with the focus on "revision over time"
- Attend Revision workshops
- Take part in visits and activities organised by the department
- Watch the news regularly or download the BBC news app
- Visit the OCR website and make use of past papers and examiners mark schemes
ASSESSMENT
GCSE students will follow the OCR GCSE Geography A: Geographical Themes course.
Students will study 6 topics in total. The exams will comprise of 3 papers: Physical, Human and Skills.
- Physical – Landscapes of the UK, Environmental threats & Ecosystems of the planet
- Human – People of the UK, UK Environmental challenges & People of the planet
- The Skills paper will use a selection of Geographical skills related to the fieldtrip
- The fieldtrip is compulsory and will be to a location in the UK
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GEOGRAPHY QUALIFICATION?
Combining both social and physical sciences, geography is all about looking at how we affect our environment and how our environment affects us. The subject is typically divided into two main areas:
- Physical geography, which deals with climate, atmosphere, soil, streams, landforms, and oceans.
- Human geography, which looks at people, cultures, and migration.
Whether you're weighing it up as a GCSE choice, or you're about to start a degree, this subject is way more than just filler for your CV. Want to seriously impress potential employers? Fancy learning a whole range of transferable skills? Geography just might be the subject for you, especially if you want to work in one of these sectors:
- Energy & Utilities – career paths include Petroleum Engineer, Geochemist
- Agriculture – careers paths include Farmer, Tree Surgeon, Farm Worker, Ecologist
- Education – career paths include Geography Teacher, Private Tutor, University Lecturer
- Science & Research – career paths include Research Scientist, Geologist, Statistician
- Public Sector – career paths include Member of Parliament, Civil Servant, Environmental Health Officer
- Consultancy – career paths include Management Consultant, Data Analyst, IT Consultant
KEY STAGE 5
Huxlow Science College, The Ferrers School and Rushden Academy work together to create a unique post-16 learning community, The East Northamptonshire College (TENC). For details of the full range of courses and opportunities available, please visit www.tenconline.co.uk
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- After school sessions are run to support students at all key stages and these are run at different times of the year
- A range of trips are currently proposed including: Fieldwork trips to Hunstanton, Northampton, Stanwick Lakes and the new Rushden Lakes once opened. There is also a proposal to visit the Natural History Museum in London as well as the compulsory Urban and Rural fieldwork trips for Key stage 4.
DEPARTMENT STAFF
Mr D Ashurst – Assistant Learning Leader of Humanities/Head of Geography
Mr M Yewman – Teacher of Geography
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would to find out more about the Geography curriculum, please contact Mr D Ashurst, Head of Geography
- By phone: 01933 650496
- By email: d.ashurst@huxlow.northants.sch.uk