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The Geography Department
 Geography is a popular and successful subject at City of Ely Community College. The department shares a real enthusiasm for the subject and our overall goal is to give students a better understanding of, and a lasting interest in, the world around us. In studying Geography, pupils investigate the links between people and their environment at both local and international scales. The subject encompasses the natural processes that shape the planet, the cultural diversity of its inhabitants, and contemporary issues of environment and development.
In the Geography department, we seek to engage pupils in their learning by encouraging them to work and think independently and by ensuring our teaching is stimulating, varied and creative. The departments team of specialist geography teachers use a range of learning and teaching styles to engage and motivate students to consider the challenges that they face in the world today and in the future.
The Importance of Geography
“Geography provokes and answers questions about the natural and human worlds, using different scales of enquiry to view them from different perspectives. It develops knowledge of paces and environments throughout the world, and understanding of maps, and a range of investigative and problem solving skills both inside and outside the classroom. As such, it prepares pupils for adult life and employment. Geography is a focus within the curriculum for understanding and resolving issues about the environment and sustainable development. It is also an important link between the natural and social sciences. As students study Geography, they encounter different societies and cultures. This helps them realise how nations rely on each other. It can inspire them to think about their own place in the world, their values and their rights and responsibilities to other people and the environment”
The School Curriculum and the National Curriculum: values, aims and purposes
1999, DfES/QCA
Key Stage Three: Years 7, 8 and 9
Students complete a number of key assessments throughout KS3. This is recorded and kept in their books. This in turn allows students to track their individual progress and set targets and learning goals. Topics taught are as follows:
| Topics |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
| 1 |
What is Geography? |
My local area |
People, people everywhere! |
| 2 |
Wild weather |
Crime watch |
Threatened world |
| 3 |
Passport to the world |
Firey Earth |
Water world |
| 4 |
The UK in the EU |
Closing the development gap |
China – the new Super Power? |
| 5 |
Natural World |
The question of sport |
Is time running out for planet Earth? |
GCSE Geography
Students follow the Edexcel Syllabus B course which covers a variety of physical, human and environmental topics from units on the Dynamic Planet. People and Planet, Making Geographical decisions and Researching Geography.
During the course, students will investigate places and specific events, they will develop their ICT skills and map skills as well as learning to work independently and as part of a team. Students are assessed by three exams and an internally controlled coursework assignment that is based on data collected on a fieldwork. Examination assessment will take place in both year 10 and 11.
Geography at A Level
Sixth form students work on the Edexcel B AS and A2 courses. In the AS course students will study elements of physical, human and environmental geography. There are a variety of ways including independent and collaborative research assignments; group and individual presentations; assignments; seminar style sessions.
The AS course is made up of two units:
Unit 1 addresses Global Challenges including globalisation, hazard management, population growth and migration.
Unit 2, Geographical Investigations, looks at issues surrounding Crowded Coasts and Unequal Spaces. This unit is closely linked to fieldwork research.
The A2 course includes two further units:
Unit 3, Contested Planet, focuses on the use and management of resources.
Unit 4, Geographical Research, provides students with the opportunity to conduct research on an individual topic.
Enrichment
The department offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities. At present these include:
- Residential fieldwork on the North Norfolk Coast
- Fieldwork in the Norfolk Broads
- Local fieldwork activities for years 7, 8 and 9
From 2010
- Gifted and Talented visit to the London Olympic Site
- Zoological visit to learn about animal adaptations in different environments.
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