GEOGRAPHY
YEAR 9
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 climate varies throughout the world, to examine the processes at work in ecosystems, and to study examples of different ecosystems. This is achieved by studying the following :
* Different ecosystems around the world.
* The processes at work in ecosystems e.g. nutrient cycles, and the effect of man..
* The Amazon Basin.
* The Savanna.
The aim of the second part of the curriculum is to study a local planning issue and evaluate the impact on the local area through a planning inquiry roleplay.
The aim of the third part of the curriculum is to study coastal processes and take part in investigative field work at Dinas Dinlle.
Skills
During the year the pupils will use the following skills :
* the interpretation of maps of different scales including O.S. maps and Atlases ,
* interpreting climatic data in different forms e.g. graphs, maps and weather reports.
* the use of fieldwork to look at coastal processes and management in Dinas Dinlle,
* group discussions, role play exercises, using questionnaires and report writing.
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. A leaflet on the Amazon Rainforest.
2. A report on the decision of the planning inquiry, research folder developed and the report under controlled assessment conditions in the hall.
3. A test on coastal processes.
There is also an examination at the end of the year.
Homework is set to reinforce work carried out in the classroom and may consist of a number of different activities e.g. research , producing brochures, 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.