GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
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The Geography Department at Sherburn High School work to deepen students'
understanding and appreciation of the world around them and the many contemporary
challenges such as climate change, urban issues, natural hazards, energy choices and
globalisation, that students may face in the future. The Geography curriculum is
rigorous and challenging and aims to prepare students to become responsible global
citizens beyond Sherburn High School.
The curriculum is designed to develop independent and inquisitive geographers: using
maps and mediated images of people and place, enquiry based learning, learning
through real life examples, numerical data and graphical modes of communication and
experiencing geographic information systems that underpin our lives. From starting in
Year 7, students will begin a journey which covers a wide range of human, physical and
environmental aspects of the subject. Content, concepts and skills taught, aim to instil
a love and deep understanding of the subject to ultimately prepare them for success at
GCSE and A Level Geography. Those students who do not choose to study Geography
at GCSE will be equipped with knowledge and skills which enable them to succeed in
the wider world through the rigorous and challenging Key Stage 3 curriculum.
Teaching
At Sherburn High School, Geography is taught by an enthusiastic team of four specialist
teachers. There are detailed learning journeys in place across all key stages which have
been recently updated to reflect the diverse and ever changing world in which we live.
The value of learning outside the classroom cannot be underestimated. Fieldwork is an
essential part of Geography curriculum at Sherburn High School. The department runs a variety of fieldtrips in order to inspire young geographers and give them first hand experience of the complex themes that have been studied within the classroom. Students have opportunities to study both their local environment and to spend time visiting contrasting localities.
Key Stage 3 Geography Homework
Homework will be set once every two to three weeks. Tasks will include consolidation of learning, stretch and challenge work, research and preparation for upcoming learning.
Key Stage 4 Geography Homework
Homework will be set once every fortnight. For students in Year 11 this will almost always be personalised exam practice. For students in Years 9 and 10 this will combine exam practice, consolidation of learning, stretch and challenge work, research and preparation for upcoming learning.
Key Stage 5 Geography Homework
Homework will be set every lesson and will take approximately the same amount of time as the lesson. This will entail further reading, research, lesson preparation, exam practice and assessed extended writing. Some tasks will be set to consolidate and extend on classroom learning.
Assessments
At Key Stage 3, assessments will take place every half term. Tasks will be based around previous learning, encourage synopticity and will build in planning and research time beforehand. At Key Stage 4, mini mock exams will be used before every whole school tracking point and will assess students across all topics covered up to that point. This approach is to encourage students to regularly review prior learning through spaced practice which is highly recommended through educational and academic research released in recent years.
