GEOGRAPHY
Geography is a National Curriculum Foundation subject.
Geography is the study of people and environments. Studying Geography helps pupils to make sense of their surroundings and to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the variety of physical and human conditions on the Earth's surface. It has direct relevance to many aspects of their own lives and the environments in which they live .
Geographical education should stimulate pupils interest in their surroundings and help them develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment.
The study of Geography should aim at leading pupils to:
* acquire a framework of knowledge about locations and places
* understand some of the relationships between people and environments
* acquire the techniques and skills necessary for geographical enquiry especially the
making and interpretation of maps , the use of I.C.T. and the conduct of fieldwork .
CONTENT:-
The aim of the first part of the curriculum is to show that population distribution is uneven , to examine the factors influencing population growth and decline , and identify reasons for the location and growth of settlements. This is achieved by studying the following:
* World population distribution and changes in population size
* Causes and effects of migration
* Different settlement sites and types of goods and services found in towns
* Patterns of urban land use and the location of hypermarkets
The aim of the second part of the curriculum is to identify physical forces of change on the environment, and to look at physical and human features in Italy. This is achieved by studying the following:
* The pattern , causes and effects of earthquakes
* A comparison between the North and South of Italy
*Weathering and erosion, river processes and the causes of flooding
SKILLS:-
During the year the pupils will use the following skills:
* the interpretation of maps of different scales including O.S. maps and Atlases
* the use of Information Technology i.e. World map study and a shopping database
* the use of fieldwork to measure river characteristics
* group discussions, role play exercises, using questionnaires and report writing
* for pupils to recognise how they learn
ASSESSMENT:-
Pupils will be assessed in a number of different ways . They are continually assessed in their homework and classwork. There are also formal assessment items including tests. Currently there are 3 written assessments:
1. Migration Cause and Effect.
2. Impacts of out of town shopping, Merryhill, Dudley.
3. Report on the differences between Piedmonte, north Italy, and Basilicata, south Italy.
HOMEWORK is set to reinforce work carried out in the classroom and may consist of a number of different activities e.g. research , producing posters , writing up notes on a video , completing work started in class , learning for a test or an extended project which may last for a number of weeks .
Pupils will need the following equipment for this subject: Pens (blue or black), pencils ,ruler,coloured pencils, compass.