Geography
Our vision:
In Geography, you will learn all about the earth beneath your feet and to embrace your place as a global citizen. Geography, the world subject, tries to keep things whole. Geographical thinking includes relating the near and far, the physical and the human, people and environments, the economic and the social. Geographical insights also come from the tension between the universal and specific: processes and phenomena play out differently from place to place and Geography recognises that this matters. Thinking geographically therefore offers a uniquely powerful way of seeing the world.
Our overarching aim for Geography at Orsett Heath Academy is to challenge students to see the bigger picture and think synoptically whilst acquiring geographical knowledge, understanding and skills, which can be applied to identify a question, guide an investigation, organise information, suggest an explanation or assist decision-making.
In order to support students in their journey, the sequencing of our curriculum enables core skills and knowledge to be practised and refined across all key stages whilst preparing our learners for the transition to the next phase of their education or into the workplace. In line with high quality teaching, Geography students will also be provided with opportunities for discussion and reflection to help them challenge a range of complex questions facing us today and allow them to increase their confidence in the study of Geography.
Key Objectives:
By the end of their time at Orsett Heath Academy, pupils will be expected to have consolidated and embedded the following skills and knowledge in Geography:
- Locational knowledge and spatial awareness of the world’s countries;
- Geographical similarities, differences and links between places;
- Physical geography relating to plate tectonics, weathering and soils, weather and climate etc.;
- Human geography relating to population and urbanisation, development, economic activity etc.;
- Geographical skills in analysing and interpreting different data sources;
- Fieldwork in contrasting locations to collect, analyse and draw conclusions from geographical data.
As a department, we believe that Geography is important to a student’s programme of study for a number of reasons:
- Geography has the ability to inspire in students a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
- It can broaden students’ horizons and allow them to gain greater knowledge of how different countries and societies operate.
- It can allow learners to challenge preconceived ideas about different peoples, places and the world we live in.
- The Geography curriculum is designed to link with other curriculum areas to develop a range of skills students will be able to use in the wider world.
- Geography prepares students for challenges facing them and the world currently.