Geography

Subject Overview

‘Geography is a subject which holds the key to our future’. It is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me geography is a great adventure with a purpose. So many of the world's current issues and challenges boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us to understand them and to solve them.’ Michael Palin.

KS3

Focus is on key geographical skills and in developing a strong interest in and understanding of the wider world and their place within it. Understanding of change resulting from physical and human processes, realising that others may hold different beliefs, live in different cultures and have different values to their own are key elements. Sensitivity towards others, an understanding of and empathy towards issues faced locally and globally underpin work at KS3. Pupils are encouraged to have respect for the natural and built environment. Building good geographical skills and knowledge is at the centre of KS3 study.

KS4

The dynamic nature of our Earth means that the world of today will be vastly different to the world of tomorrow. GCSE Geography aims to take pupils on a journey of discovery on how our world works, how it changes and how we impact on it. Geography prepares for the world of work – geographers, with their skills of analysis are highly employable!  Physical Geography helps to explain natural processes and landforms. Human geography explains how people live and sometimes change the world. You will develop a knowledge of current issues and events from a local to global scale.

KS5

Opportunity to study geography is available building on the foundation of GCSE for students gaining grade 6 or above. This includes a fieldwork investigation in Dorset or North Wales.

Higher Education Links and Career Opportunities

In a recent study by the RGS, Geography was ranked first (with 74%) of all subjects by men and women, of all age ranges and social classes. At university geography students are more likely to complete their degree, have the 3rd lowest dropout rate of all subjects & have some of the highest National Student Satisfaction scores.

In terms of employment, five years after graduation, geography graduates have an above average likelihood of gaining employment.  Geographer employment rates outperform other disciplines, including politics, physics and history. The graduate earnings outperform other subjects, including technology, biosciences and history. Men can earn 2% more, whereas women 10% more than average graduate salaries.