Geography in Years 7, 8 and 9

We believe that Geography taught in Years 7-9 should inspire our pupils to learn more about the world in which they live.  Geography can deliver vital life skills enabling pupils to make concise reports, handle and analyse data, Geography Curriculum Overview – KS3make decisions about issues and think creatively.  We aim to develop the girls' geographical skills, literacy, numeracy, ICT and independent learning skills.  The Department uses a variety of teaching strategies and techniques that gives all girls the opportunity to study Geography with enjoyment and a sense of achievement.  Through Years 7-9 we also help to develop pupil awareness of citizenship through the study of moral, economic and environmental issues.

Overview of teaching topics: 

Year 7 – The focus of Year 7 is to provide a broad introduction to the subject of Geography.

Year 7 explore the following topics: Introduction to Geography; Exploring Britain – human and physical geography; Making and mapping connections – map skills; Changing the way we shop – the influence of out-of-town shopping centres and Internet shopping; coping with floods and Settlement – how settlements grow and change. The destination of the Year 7 field trip is Cardiff Bay where pupils explore the regeneration of the dockland area.

Year 8 – The focus of Year 8 is to further develop pupil’s geographical skills and to explore important global issues, such as climate change, energy use and deforestation of tropical rainforests.

Year 8 explore the following topics: Oi Brazil! – an exploration of life in 21^st Century Brazil; Tropical Rainforest ecosystems and the threats they face, natural hazards, energy: a key resource, climate change and sustainable living and weather & climate.  The current destination of the Year 8 field trip is the Ebbw Vale area where pupils investigate social, economic and environmental change.

 Bringing the rainforest to HMSG - Year 8 enjoying a ‘Rainforest Roadshow’ event

Year 9 – The focus of Year 9 is one of global issues and processes.  Pupils explore poverty and third world debt, globalisation and the influence of global companies, sustainable tourism and China’s growing influence.

Year 9 explore the following topics:  Poverty and development through an investigation of Ghana, Cadbury – a multinational company, Fair-trade, global fashion and child labour, China – 21^st Century superpower and Antarctica – the last great wilderness.

Individual fieldwork projects: Years 7-9 produce an individual fieldwork project linked to their field trip activities.  This gives pupils some independence and control over their learning and the means to develop important academic skills.