Handsworth Grammar School

Geography

Aims

Our main aim is to encourage students to enjoy Geography and to develop a sympathetic knowledge and understanding of Planet Earth.

The Geography Department also attempts to work in ways that will help the School as a whole to achieve its aims. This includes treating students as individuals with individual needs, encouraging high standards of work and behaviour and valuing the cultural diversity of the School, and seeking to develop greater understanding both locally and globally.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

  • What is geography?
  • Where do people live?
  • Going shopping
  • What's our weather like?
  • Living in Birmingham
  • Living in a developing country - Kenya
  • Transport and the journey to school - research project

Year 8

  • Japan - a developed country
  • A football scandal
  • World development
  • Developing country research project
  • Natural hazards - earthquakes and volcanoes
  • Tourism and leisure

Year 9

  • Population and migration
  • Weather and climate
  • Natural hazards - hurricanes
  • Settlement and retailing
  • The geography of crime
  • Fragile environments - rain forest ecosystems

GCSE (Key stage 4) - AQA Specification A

The course develops understanding of Geography by examining current issues such as migration, industrial change, flooding and other hazards, change in cities, globalisation and fair trade. Wherever possible, case studies are used to provide greater depth.

The exam consists of two papers (Physical Geography and Human Geography) and a coursework (fieldwork investigation).

Geography in the Sixth Form (Key Stage 5)

Why Geography?

It's a unique subject, because it acts as a bridge between the humanities and the sciences. This can be an advantage if you want to be flexible when considering your options for higher education or careers.

The AS Modules (AQA Specification B)

Unit 1: The core module, includes weather, rivers, energy resources and recent changes in the UK.
Unit 2: Urban physical geography.
Unit 3: Recent changes in cities.

The A2 Modules (AQA B)

Unit 4: Global change, which includes climate change, burglary as an urban hazard, and political geography.
Unit 5: Synoptic module (a decision making exercise).
Unit 6: Practical paper, including fieldwork investigation.

Other opportunities

Some examples of how the department seeks to enrich the classroom study of Geography:

  • Year 7 pupils receive a free map of the local area under the Ordnance Survey Free Maps for Schools scheme.
  • Students in different year groups have had the opportunity to explore the subject through Creative Partnerships activities. Topics have included migration, the case for a new supermarket and the banana trade.
  • Students are encouraged to carry out their own research investigations and fieldwork. Day visits are arranged, with a residential field week in the Sixth Form.