The intent of our Geography curriculum is to spark enthusiasm and foster curiosity about the world, opening students’ eyes to relevant geographical issues in their local area and beyond. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that is fit for purpose and high quality, covering key concepts which include physical processes and landforms, human inequality and issues of sustainability. Our intent is to develop students’ understanding of the complexity and interconnectivity of the world and how it changes over time. Knowledge and understanding of places, processes and environments can be applied to new settings to enable students to ‘think geographically’. Students are taught to be ‘locally’ and ‘globally’ aware of geographical issues, questioning decisions and actions as they try to ‘make sense’ of the dynamic world.  

Our Geography curriculum is ambitious and promotes an inquisitive mindset, motivating students to show keen interest, ask questions and engage in discussion. We aim to expand the intellect and knowledge of our students, developing critical thinking skills and addressing misconceptions as students develop knowledge and understanding of topics such as environmental sustainability, globalisation, migration, climate change, geological timescale and energy insecurity. Students learn to be capable decision-makers who can appreciate different stakeholders’ points of view and justify their ideas.

Learning through fieldwork outside the classroom can be particularly fun, motivating and memorable and our intent is to provide opportunities for all students to be active investigators, participating in enquiry-based learning in a variety of locations. As they progress through the key stages, students are introduced to a wider range of investigative skills which they can apply independently and with confidence to geographical enquiry. They develop the ability to ask their own relevant questions, analyse data, justify conclusions and reflect on and evaluate their work. 

In our ever-changing and complex world, our intent is to prepare our students for life-long learning and employability. Geographical skills are embedded within all topics taught, teaching students to develop their cartographical, graphical, ICT and GIS presentation and analytical skills. In the classroom, students are encouraged to ‘have a voice’ and develop essential skills of verbal communication. Our students will acquire a comprehensive core of geographical vocabulary which is practised regularly. Through participation in intelligent discussion, students can share ideas and challenge opinions, developing confidence in their ability to articulate their views. Equally, by engaging in active group role-play tasks, students are allowed the freedom to be imaginative and creative, questioning the relevance of people’s attitudes and values.

Our intent is for our students to be challenged to achieve their academic potential whilst enjoying their lessons and learning. We strive for our students to become global citizens with a thoughtful appreciation of the world and the ability to engage and participate in conversations at an adult level about geographical issues. They will develop insight of the impact made by human actions on people and place and consider how they can make a difference. To this end, our curriculum aims to ensure that students are aware and mindful of their environmental responsibility and respectful of cultural diversity and difference. 

Geography KS3 Grade Descriptors