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Geography
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Introduction
Geography is an
integral part of the curriculum at Thornhill College at all Key
Stages. The aim of the Geography Department is to provide
stimulating and varied learning experiences that allow pupils to
develop a real appreciation of the World around them.
Specifically our programmes of study aim:
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to develop
pupils’ knowledge and understanding of people, places and
processes in the world, both locally and beyond;
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to provide pupils with opportunities to
develop their practical, analytical, numerical and
communication skills;
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to develop the
pupils' ability to present, analyse and interpret
information from primary and secondary sources;
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to use ICT and
other tools to enhance learning.
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Fieldwork
Our
Pupils have several opportunities to be involved in fieldwork
investigations which take the form of practical investigations at local
sites (sand dune, river etc).
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KS3 Geography
All pupils study
Geography in Years 8, 9 and 10. Our KS3 Programme provides
varied and interesting learning experiences under the
following headings:
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Geographical Skills (mapwork,
research, data handling, presentation and communication
skills);
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Geographical Themes (Rocks
and Processes of Landscape Development, Weather and
Climate, Ecosystems, Population, Settlement, Economic
Activities);
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Places and Locational Knowledge
(Ireland – the counties, main towns, rivers, loughs and
mountains; the capital cities of England, Scotland and
Wales; the member states and capital cities of the
European Union; the continents and oceans and major
lines of latitude and longitude of the world.;
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Issues (Environmental
Issues; World Development Issues);
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Contribution to Educational Themes
(ICT,
Careers, Cultural Heritage, Health
Education, Economic Awareness).
ICT is used extensively to enhance
learning and the pupils are given many opportunities to
research information, create presentations, analyse data and
record findings using the school's ICT network.
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A-level Geography
A-level Geography students develop a deeper understanding of the
interrelationships between humans and the environment, and of the
opportunities, challenges and constraints that people face.
They learn about the dynamic nature of geography;
how places, environments and issues change, and how people respond to
these changes.
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They
appreciate how decisions are made about the use and management of
resources and environments, and understand the significance and effects
of peoples’ values and attitudes in geographical issue.
The
course also allows students to develop their powers of reasoning and
analysis, to acquire practical, fieldwork research and data handling
skills. The two years study is organised as follows:
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AS Geography
There are three compulsory modules in Year 13
which make up AS Geography. These are:
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Unit 1 - Themes in Physical Geography
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Unit 2 -Themes in Human Geography
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Unit 3 - Techniques in Geography
Each
of these three modules is assessed by a written examination.
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A2 Geography
There are three compulsory modules in Year
14 which make up A2 Geography. These are:
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Unit 4 - Physical Processes and Human
Interactions
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Unit 5 - Processes and Issues in Human
Geography
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Unit 6 - Skills and Decision Making in
Geography
Each of these three modules is assessed by a written examination.
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