Geography at Tormead
Geography GCSE and Lower School Focus
Geography is one of the broadest and most enticing subjects on the curriculum. From geopolitics to geology, there is something to interest everyone. In this rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever before that people have geographical knowledge to take through their lives. This knowledge will create politicians, scientists, and economists with a better understanding of the interactions of humans and the planet, and therefore a fairer and more prosperous society of tomorrow.
Current geographical issues such as the climate crisis highlight the relevance of Geography and education on these matters should be at the forefront of our priorities. The subject presents many opportunities – Geography degrees are highly respected and over 90% of Geography graduates are employed within six months of finishing University courses. Careers in business and finance, journalism, politics, town planning, environmentalism and many more can be accessed through a Geography degree. After all, there’s far more to Geography than just rocks and map reading.
- Lower SchoolThe Year 7 course focuses on topics that are pertinent to the UK ‘Our Island Home’ whilst Year 8 students investigate ‘The World Around Us’. Throughout the course we aim to develop key geographical skills such as map reading and fieldwork.In Year 9, we cover the topics of Globalisation and Migration, Climate Change and Resource Management. Through a range of case studies and examples, we consider the impacts of human and physical processes on people and learn how the physical processes of the Earth can be managed. We are able to deliver the lessons in a variety of ways, including individual and group work. We also seek to develop the skills of graphicacy, numeracy and data presentation within the topics that are taught.
- GCSE
We study the Edexcel iGCSE course for its breadth and contemporary content. The topics include both Physical Geography (Coastal Environments and Hazardous Environments) and Human Geography (Urban Environments and Economic Activity and Energy) and allow the students to gain an understanding of the processes shaping our planet. Fieldwork is examined as part of both papers and during the course of Year 10, students undertake two pieces of fieldwork -one Physical and one Human.
- Enrichment
In the Lower School, the students spend a day practising their map skills at the Gilbert White Field studies centre. GCSE fieldwork is designed and timed to complement the topics being taught whilst enabling the girls to experience a range of data collection techniques. In the Sixth Form, there is a residential visit to Dorset, where course content can be exemplified, and fieldwork skills are developed further. This allows the girls to gain confidence with the skills required for their own Independent Investigation. We hold regular enrichment sessions and there is a lunch-time Eco-club which is run by the Head of Geography and open to all year groups. The Sixth Form have the opportunity to participate in the annual Royal Geographical Society essay writing competition.
11-16 Years
Our pupils enjoy exceptional educational opportunities within a caring and happy environment.
