Geography
"Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future."
Michael Palin
The aims of Geography
- To develop knowledge and understanding of local, regional and wider environments and their interrelationships
- To encourage an understanding and appreciation of the variety of natural and human conditions on the Earth
- To develop empathy with people from diverse environments and an understanding of human interdependence
- To develop the ability to use a range of communicative methods, especially those concerned with the development of graphicacy (mapping and other non-verbal, non-numerical forms of data presentation)
- To encourage the development of a sense of place and spatial awareness
- To encourage the development of caring attitudes and responsible behaviour towards the environment, and involvement in the identification, discussion, resolution and avoidance of environmental problems
- To develop an understanding of appropriate geographical concepts.
Why Study Geography?
Geography seeks to develop a sense of place and describe the location of places. It helps students 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 focusses on processes which create and change places, landscape features and natural processes, the interactions between people and the environment and the resulting conflict and possible solutions.
The subject extends students' interest and knowledge beyond their immediate experiences, using images and information to help them interpret about people and concepts which they acquire from the media, internet and textbooks. Geography develops major skill areas such as map and fieldwork skills, cross-curricular skills such as ICT, Literacy and Numeracy, as well as an increasing awareness of the world around us and the idea of sustainability. We want students to become global citizens and show a keen awareness of the surrounding geography. Geography is everywhere and students at WHS will develop a keen awareness and appreciation of the geography around them.
Geography Curriculum Overview
Geography at our school is designed to ignite curiosity, deepen understanding of the world, and equip students with the knowledge and skills to explore key environmental, social and economic issues. Our curriculum follows a clear progression from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE and A-Level, ensuring students develop strong geographical literacy, critical thinking, and fieldwork experience.
Year 7 – Introduction to Geography and Global Awareness
In Year 7 Geography, students explore a variety of exciting and meaningful topics that help them understand the world around them. We begin with My Place in the World, introducing key geographical skills and how students fit into a global context. Students then study Ecosystems and Cold Environments, learning how life adapts to extreme conditions. In Where Do People Live?, we examine patterns in population and settlement. Our Lungs of the Earth topic focuses on deforestation and the importance of the rainforest, and we finish the year with an in-depth India Case Study, exploring the diversity and development of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
Year 8 – Global Interactions and Urban Challenges
In Year 8 Geography, students build on their knowledge by exploring key global issues and developing important geographical skills. We begin with the Globalisation topic, which examines how the world is increasingly connected through trade, technology, and culture. In Hazards, students study natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes, their impacts, and how people respond. Urbanisation looks at the rapid growth of cities and the challenges this brings. We cover Map Skills, ensuring students can confidently interpret and use a range of maps. The year ends with a China Case Study, where students investigate the geography, development, and global influence of one of the world’s largest and most dynamic countries.
Year 9 – Sustainable Futures and Global Challenges
In Year 9 Geography, students tackle some of the most important global challenges facing our world today. We begin with Development, focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and how different countries work towards a fairer, more sustainable future. In Climate and Human Impacts on the Environment, students explore climate change, pollution, and how human activity is affecting natural systems. The Managing Resources topic looks at how we use and conserve vital resources like water, food, and energy. We also study migration, exploring why people move and how migration affects communities. The year concludes with a Brazil Case Study, investigating the country’s geography, development, and global role.
Key Stage 4 – AQA GCSE Geography
The AQA GCSE Geography course helps students understand the world around them by studying both natural and human environments. It encourages critical thinking, data interpretation, and fieldwork skills, preparing students to engage with global issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and sustainable development.
Course Content
- Living with the Physical Environment: Natural Hazards, Ecosystems, UK Physical Landscapes
- Challenges in the Human Environment: Urban Issues, The Changing Economic World, Resource Management
- Geographical Applications: Issue Evaluation and Fieldwork skills
Assessment
- Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment – 1hr 30 mins (35%)
- Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment – 1hr 30 mins (35%)
- Paper 3: Geographical Applications – 1hr 15 mins (30%)
Fieldwork is a key component, with students completing two investigations—one physical (River Study in Epping Forest) and one human (Kings Cross Regeneration).
Key Stage 5 – AQA A-Level Geography
A-Level Geography offers students a deep understanding of the interactions between people and the environment. It explores critical global issues such as climate change, globalisation, and resource management, while also developing strong research, analytical, and evaluative skills.
Course Content
- Physical Geography: Water and Carbon Cycles, Coastal Systems, Hazards
- Human Geography: Global Systems & Governance, Changing Places, Population and the Environment
- Independent Investigation (NEA): A student-led fieldwork enquiry
Assessment
- Paper 1: Physical Geography – 2hrs 30 mins (40%)
- Paper 2: Human Geography – 2hrs 30 mins (40%)
- NEA: Independent Investigation – Coursework (20%)
Students are required to complete a minimum of four days of fieldwork across the course.
Future Pathways
Students who have studied Geography are ideally suited to pursue careers in a wide range of areas, including business, finance, education, government and planning.