Curriculum Aims And Values

“Geography underpins a lifelong ‘conversation’ about the earth as the home of humankind. Geography therefore contributes to a balanced education for all young people in schools, colleges and other settings.”  (A Different View, GA 2009)

 “Geography 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.” – Michael Palin

•  Geography is challenging, motivating, topical and engaging. In our diverse society, students need, more than ever before, to understand other people and cultures. The Geography department believes that geographical knowledge, concepts and skills are essential components of a broad and balanced curriculum. Geography makes a major contribution to students’ physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. As Professor Andrew Goudie puts it, ‘What other subject tells us so much about the great issues of our age?
• Geography must be a rigorous study of the real world at all scales – local, national and international. It must seek explanations about how the world works and help us think about alternative futures.
• Students who study Geography are well-rounded individuals, developing many transferable skills from across the curriculum. They display empathy towards others, are able to critically think about issues facing the world and apply them across a range of geographical scales. The students can perceive their place in the world and take the knowledge and understanding gained into the future.
• We aim to equip our geography students for a place in the world and help them recognise that they may have a career in a field that doesn’t even exist. How do we do this? We want them to know more – learn deep and remember more through a carefully planned curriculum that is delivered by highly capable subject specialists.

Geography is concerned with the study of places, the human and physical processes which shape them and the people who live in them. It helps students to make sense of their surroundings and to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the variety of physical and human conditions on the earth’s surface.

At GHS, we aim to:

1. To stimulate students’ interest in their surroundings and in the variety of human and physical conditions on the earth’s surface.
2. To foster students’ sense of wonder at the beauty of the world around them.
3. To help students develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat and thereby enhance students’ sense of responsibility for the care of the earth and its people.
4. To prepare students for the next stage in their life and be future citizens of an ever changing world.

• Curriculum Organisation And Delivery

  Geography is taught in mixed ability classes across KS3 and KS4. At KS3, pupils are taught in year 7 form groups and in year 8 teaching groups. At KS4, pupils are taught in option groups.

  Year group	Lessons per fortnight cycle
  7	3 lessons
  8	3 lessons
  9	4 lessons
  10	4 lessons
  11	5 lessons

  Curriculum Intent and Implementation

  The Geography curriculum at Greenbank has been carefully sequenced from Year 7 to Year 11 to develop knowledgeable, inquisitive and globally aware geographers. It provides a balanced blend of physical and human geography, ensuring broad National Curriculum coverage at Key Stage 3 whilst establishing strong foundations for GCSE success at Key Stage 4.

  At KS3, a thematic approach enables pupils to explore a diverse range of geographical concepts and places, including topics not studied at GCSE, such as tectonics, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and refined through departmental quality assurance, curriculum evaluation and pupil feedback to maintain relevance and engagement.

  At KS4, the EDUQAS Specification B course is taught through a carefully sequenced programme that builds knowledge progressively and supports deeper understanding. Topics are organised logically, allowing pupils to make connections across different aspects of the course and apply their learning confidently.

  Assessment and Achievement

  Assessment is integral to curriculum planning. Pupils’ complete regular assessments throughout both key stages, enabling teachers to monitor progress, identify misconceptions and provide targeted support. At KS4, detailed feedback and dedicated improvement time help pupils refine their examination skills and strengthen subject knowledge.

  The department benefits from significant examination expertise, with all geography staff contributing to EDUQAS marking and moderation. This informs curriculum planning, assessment design and teaching practice, ensuring a close alignment with examination requirements.

  Knowledge Retention and Recall

  The curriculum is designed to promote long-term retention through regular retrieval practice, knowledge organisers, revision activities and low-stakes quizzing. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning by reviewing their understanding, identifying gaps and engaging in independent revision. These strategies are embedded across all year groups to develop effective study habits and deepen geographical understanding.

  Inclusion, Challenge and Support

  All Geography classes are taught in mixed-ability groups. High expectations, adaptive teaching and carefully scaffolded learning ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum while being appropriately challenged. Stretch opportunities, wider reading, revision support and intervention programmes enable pupils of all abilities to achieve success and develop a lifelong interest in geography.

• Personal Development in Geography

  Geography makes a significant contribution to pupils’ personal development by helping them understand their place in the world and their role as informed, responsible citizens.

  Through the curriculum, pupils develop:

  • Global awareness by exploring diverse places, cultures and communities and understanding the interconnected nature of our world.
  • Environmental responsibility through studying sustainability, climate change and the challenges facing people and the planet.
  • Critical thinking and ethical understanding by evaluating complex issues such as migration, inequality, urbanisation and resource management.
  • Respect for diversity through learning about different ways of life, beliefs and perspectives across the globe.
  • Confidence, teamwork and leadership skills through enquiry-based learning, discussion and fieldwork experiences.

  Geography encourages pupils to be curious, compassionate and reflective young people who are prepared to contribute positively to their local, national and global communities.

• British Values in Geography

  Geography provides rich opportunities to promote British Values and prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Through the study of diverse places, people and environments, pupils develop an understanding of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

  Pupils explore global issues such as climate change, migration, development and sustainability, learning to evaluate evidence, consider different viewpoints and make informed decisions. Through investigating cultures, communities and ways of life around the world, they develop respect for diversity, empathy for others and an appreciation of the interconnected nature of our world.

  Geography encourages pupils to become thoughtful, responsible and active citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities and are equipped to contribute positively to their local, national and global communities.

• Our Learning Environment

  At Greenbank, we recognise that the environment in which pupils learn has a significant impact on both wellbeing and achievement. Our Geography classrooms have been designed to provide a calm, inclusive and purposeful learning space where every pupil feels valued, supported and able to succeed.

  We have carefully developed a SEND-friendly environment that reduces unnecessary distractions whilst celebrating geographical learning. Displays are intentionally uncluttered, visually accessible and designed to support learning without overwhelming pupils. Key vocabulary, retrieval resources and curriculum content are presented clearly to help all learners build confidence and independence.

  Our classrooms promote a culture of respect, curiosity and high aspirations, where pupils feel safe to ask questions, share ideas and take risks in their learning. The wider Humanities corridor reflects our passion for Geography through thoughtful displays that showcase the diversity, beauty and complexity of the world, inspiring pupils to look beyond their local area and develop a global perspective.

  By combining high expectations with a calm and supportive atmosphere, we aim to create an environment where all pupils can thrive, develop a love of Geography and feel empowered to understand and shape the world around them.