key stage 3
Key Stage 3
During key stage 3 pupils investigate a wide range of people, places and environments at different scales around the world. They learn about geographical patterns and processes and how political, economic, social and environmental factors affect contemporary geographical issues. They also learn about how places and environments are interdependent. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this they identify geographical questions, collect and analyse written and statistical evidence, and develop their own opinions. They use a wide range of geographical skills and resources such as maps, satellite images and ICT.
At key stage 3 we study a wide and varied curriculum incorporating traditional geographies, alongside topical issues, for example the impacts of the Asian Tsunami and issues over developing Antarctica. A range of units has been developed to appreciate the world and to offer a range of learning experiences that progress through the years. There have been several advances made in terms of using creative learning in lessons through the integration of a more stimulating curriculum. Assessment for Learning has also been developed within the department.
Length of study | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
Half term | What is Geography? | Water as a resource | Hazards |
Half term | Map skills | Population | Coastal environments |
Half term | Tourism and economic activity | The global car industry | Fashion industry |
Half term | Shopping and settlement | River environments | What is development |
Half term | Weather and climate | Flooding | Football - a decision-making exercise |
Half term | Ecosystems | Country studies | Global issues/threatened environments |
Homework
Homework is set once a week. Homework activities vary from watching a programme on the television to carrying out independent research in the library or on the internet. Students should spend at least ½ an hour on their homework. The completion of homework is regularly monitored. Failure to complete homework will be written a students contact book initially, if it still isn't completed detentions will be set.
Assessment
Assessment is a central part of the learning process. Learners have a need to know how they are progressing if they are to continue to develop further. Students will complete "Level Assessed" assignments a year based around different geographical skills. They will be given a National Curriculum level for each piece of work and the marks will be averaged to give to end of year National Curriculum Level. The Level assessed work will be filed into a students' portfolio which will be returned to them at the end of year 9.
Year 7: OS map test, British Isle map test, tourism project, Bluewater assessment, Amazon project
Year 8: Water leaflet, Population project, Rivers exam, Kenya project
Year 9: Hazards exam, Dirty trainers, Development project, Global Issues exam
Fortnightly marking receives an effort grade (A-E) and an attainment grade (1-5). Students are expected to act upon the teachers comments in their exercise books and take responsibility for their own learning.
Rewards
Reward certificates are issued for excellent work and/or effort. These certificates can be Bronze, Silver or Gold and there is also the opportunity to achieve a "Geography Star" award which will be awarded to students' who have completed an outstanding assignment or who have made good progress in lessons.
There are also special opportunities to participate in day trips to London Zoo and a wildlife park for students who have made the most progress in class.
Good effort and behaviour can be rewarded through several means. Notes in student planners, telephone calls home, formal letters, geography themed postcards, credits in the contact diary, stickers in books, are all part of the reward system in the Geography Department.
The display of pupil work is also encouraged and there are displays in both Geography classrooms and in the adjoining corridor to mark exceptional work.
Fieldwork
The learning that takes place outside of the classroom is an integral part of Geography, and its use is still being developed. The Department aims to encourage pupils to adopt a more enquiry-based approach to their work. The school has its own mini-buses which can be used for trips. There is also a train-station nearby that is used for trips to London.
We have made links with Retief High School in South Africa. Students will have the opportunity to e-mail students to find out what life is like in South Africa and there might also be a chance to visit the school! More local fieldwork includes a trip to the Docklands, London Zoo, Box Hill, Lake District and a wetland centre.