Geography
Geography at Ralph Thoresby School is based in 3 specialist classrooms on the top floor of ‘C Block’. Mr Hutson (Head of Geography), Mr Missin, Mr Parkinson (Deputy Headteacher) and Miss Stuttard teach geography to students from Year 7 to Year 13. Students at Ralph Thoresby learn about the local area and region and well as the wider-world through an engaging, contemporary and exciting curriculum. Geography is a popular and successful subject, enjoyed by students and delivered by a passionate and committed team. Students are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the new GCSE and A level curriculum, and begin developing essential geographical skills from their first few lessons in Year 7. Geography students benefit from excellent fieldwork opportunities, visiting fantastic locations including the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Yorkshire’s east coast, as well as local fieldwork in Leeds city centre. The department are proud of the young geographers and their progress and achievements at Ralph Thoresby School.
Links to SMSC and British Values
Geography inspires awe and wonder at the natural world, both physical and human features. Geography involves the study of real people in different societies. In looking at their own locality and others in the world, students’ sense of identity and community can be strengthened
Courses available to take at KS4 and KS5
- KS4: Eduqas B GCSE Geography
- KS5: AQA A level Geography
-
Year 7 Overview
-
01
Course Topic(s)
Our local environment and map skills
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students are introduced to geography in Year 7 with a local area fieldwork enquiry. Map skills (e.g. grid references, distances, compass directions) are developed using OS maps at different scales.
Assessment
Local area assessment based on fieldwork enquiry. Map skills assessment.
-
02
Course Topic(s)
People and places
Content / Learning Outcomes
This unit focuses on the human and physical geography of different places around the world. Students have the opportunity to investigate a country of their choice, developing their research skills.
Assessment
Ideal holiday assessment.
-
03
Course Topic(s)
Economic activity
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students learn how geography links to different economic activities. The geography of the local area is investigated as students produce their individual factory project.
Assessment
My factory project.
-
04
Course Topic(s)
Rivers and flooding
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students learn about rivers and river environments and the processes that shape these landscapes. Case studies of floods are used to investigate how humans manage and are affected by flooding.
Assessment
Comparing flooding case studies.
-
05
Course Topic(s)
Development and globalisation
Content / Learning Outcomes
In an increasingly linked world students learn how their lives are affected by globalisation and why different countries are at different stages of development
Assessment
Shanty town GCSE style problem solving assessment.
-
06
Course Topic(s)
Environmental issues
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students develop their understanding of a range of environmental issues and undertake a local fieldwork enquiry investigating litter.
Assessment
Litter enquiry.
Useful Links
How can I support my child?
Revision materials/support for any exams:
Revision sheets for the Y7 exam are provided for students. Copies are also on the school website and are put onto ‘Classcharts’ as part of homework set.
Equipment required:
Having the usual school equipment in lessons is essential – pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator. Colouring pencils for maps and diagrams are also helpful.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the year to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding.
Homework Information
Students are set a range of different types of homework in KS3 geography including research tasks, learning key terms, completing task sheets, preparing for presentations and projects, revision tasks and extended writing tasks. Encourage your child to use ‘Classcharts’ and their planner to organise their work. Completing homework on time, allowing time to check through work, will helps students to make progress.
-
01
-
Year 8 Overview
-
01
Course Topic(s)
Coasts and coastal management
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students learn about the processes that shape coastal landscapes and how humans interact with the coastal environment.
Assessment
GCSE style problem solving assessment.
-
02
Course Topic(s)
Ecosystems
Content / Learning Outcomes
In this unit students investigate the physical factors that affect ecosystems and how these environments are exploited and managed.
Assessment
‘To what extent…’ GCSE style extended writing.
-
03
Course Topic(s)
Hazards
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students develop their understanding of a range of hazards and how humans are affected by and try to manage the impacts of hazards.
Assessment
Year 8 exam. Range of question types including source response and extended writing.
-
04
Course Topic(s)
Plate tectonics
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students learn about the processes that continue to shape the surface of the earth and lead to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes.
Assessment
Comparing case studies assessment.
-
05
Course Topic(s)
Weather and climate
Content / Learning Outcomes
In this unit students develop their understanding of weather, how it is measured and of climate in different places around the world.
Assessment
Geographical skills – completing and comparing climate graphs.
-
06
Course Topic(s)
Settlement
Content / Learning Outcomes
Students investigate the characteristics of settlements and how they change over time.
Assessment
Settlement change assessment.
Useful Links
- www.atlapedia.com – Atlapedia, an online atlas
- www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/ - Ordnance Survey resources for map skills and KS3 geography
- www.bbc.com/education/subjects/zrw76sg - BBC KS3 geography ‘Bitesize’ site
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround - BBC Newsround - great for researching geography in the news
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ - Information on places & countries around the world
- http://www.bgs.ac.uk/landslides/happisburgh.html - British Geological Survey – coastal erosion at Happisburgh.
How can I support my child?
Revision materials/support for any exams:
Revision sheets for the Y8 exam are provided for students. Copies are also on the school website and are put onto ‘Classcharts’ as part of homework set.
Equipment required:
Having the usual school equipment in lessons is essential – pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator. Colouring pencils for maps and diagrams are also helpful.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the year to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding.
Homework Information
Students are set a range of different types of homework in KS3 geography including research tasks, learning key terms, completing task sheets, preparing for presentations and projects, revision tasks and extended writing tasks. Encourage your child to use ‘Classcharts’ and their planner to organise their work. Completing homework on time, allowing time to check through work, will helps students to make progress.
-
01
-
Year 9 Overview
-
01
Course Topic(s)
2.1 Coasts and coastal management Applied fieldwork enquiry – coastal management, Yorkshire’s east coast. 2.2 Rivers and river management.
Content / Learning Outcomes
Assessment
Data response and geographical skills. Extended writing questions e.g. ‘Evaluate’ and ‘To what extent?’ command words. Problem solving (decision making) assessments e.g. New Jersey, USA, coastal management assessment. Fieldwork enquiry assessment – coastal management fieldwork. Year 9 exam – Units 1.1 and 1.2.
-
02
Course Topic(s)
2.3 Weather and climate 2.4 Climate change – cause and effect
Assessment
Data response and geographical skills. Extended writing questions e.g. ‘Evaluate’ and ‘To what extent?’ command words. Problem solving (decision making) assessments e.g. New Jersey, USA, coastal management assessment. Fieldwork enquiry assessment – coastal management fieldwork. Year 9 exam – Units 1.1 and 1.2.
-
03
Course Topic(s)
1.1 Urbanisation in contrasting global cities Year 9 exam – preparation and revision, assessment, PINS review
Assessment
Data response and geographical skills. Extended writing questions e.g. ‘Evaluate’ and ‘To what extent?’ command words. Problem solving (decision making) assessments e.g. New Jersey, USA, coastal management assessment. Fieldwork enquiry assessment – coastal management fieldwork. Year 9 exam – Units 1.1 and 1.2.
-
04
Content / Learning Outcomes
Eduqas B – Specification at a glance
Theme 1: Changing Places – Changing Economies
1.1 Urbanisation in contrasting global cities
1.2 Urban and rural processes and change in the UK
1.3 A global perspective on development issues
Theme 2: Changing environments
2.1 Shaping the landscape – coasts and coastal management
2.2 Shaping the landscape – rivers and river management
2.3 Weather and climate
2.4 Climate change – cause and effect
Theme 3: Environmental challenges
3.1 How ecosystems function
3.2 Ecosystems under threat
3.3 Water resources and management
3.4 Desertification -
05
Content / Learning Outcomes
Eduqas B – Assessment at a glance
Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues (40%)
Three structured data response questions on the three themes in the specification. The final part of each question will require an extended response.
Component 2: Problem solving geography (30%)
This component assesses content across the themes using a variety of structured data response questions. In the final part of the assessment students choose and justify a solution in an extended response.
Component 3: Applied fieldwork enquiry (30%)
This written examination assesses fieldwork enquiry methodology and geographical concepts. The final part involves a decision making assessment within in a UK context.
Useful Links
- www.atlapedia.com – Atlapedia, an online atlas.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news - BBC news website, a reliable resource for research tasks.
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ - Information on places & countries around the world.
- www2.eastriding.gov.uk/environment/sustainable-environment/looking-after-our-coastline/defending-the-east-riding-coastline – Coastal management on Yorkshire’s east coast.
- www.bbc.com/education/examspecs/ztp2qty – BBC GCSE Bitesize for Eduqas B. Ask your teacher which topics to study.
How can I support my child?
Year 9 exam revision sheet, key terms sheet, ‘Take 5’ revision booklet. Students can purchase the official Eduqas B Geography GCSE book for £7 in school.
Equipment required:
Having the usual school equipment in lessons is essential – pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator. Colouring pencils for maps and diagrams are also helpful.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the course to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding. Revision for exams, and reviewing exams and exam questions using PINS, helps students prepare for the GCSE exams.
Homework Information
Students are set a range of different types of homework in GCSE geography including research tasks, exam questions, learning key terms, completing task sheets, preparing for presentations and projects, revision tasks and extended writing tasks. Encourage your child to use ‘Classcharts’ and their planner to organise their work. Completing homework on time, allowing time to check through work, will helps students to make progress.
-
01
-
Year 10 Overview
-
01
Course Topic(s)
1.2 Urban and rural processes and change in the UK 1.3 A global perspective on development issues
-
02
Course Topic(s)
3.1 How ecosystems function 3.2 Ecosystems under threat
-
03
Course Topic(s)
Applied fieldwork enquiry – Yorkshire Dales National Park. Year 10 exam – preparation and revision, assessment, PINS review
-
04
Content / Learning Outcomes
Eduqas B – Specification at a glance
Theme 1: Changing Places – Changing Economies
1.1 Urbanisation in contrasting global cities
1.2 Urban and rural processes and change in the UK
1.3 A global perspective on development issues
Theme 2: Changing environments
2.1 Shaping the landscape – coasts and coastal management
2.2 Shaping the landscape – rivers and river management
2.3 Weather and climate
2.4 Climate change – cause and effect
Theme 3: Environmental challenges
3.1 How ecosystems function
3.2 Ecosystems under threat
3.3 Water resources and management
3.4 Desertification -
05
Content / Learning Outcomes
Eduqas B – Assessment at a glance
Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues (40%)
Three structured data response questions on the three themes in the specification. The final part of each question will require an extended response.
Component 2: Problem solving geography (30%)
This component assesses content across the themes using a variety of structured data response questions. In the final part of the assessment students choose and justify a solution in an extended response
Component 3: Applied fieldwork enquiry (30%)
This written examination assesses fieldwork enquiry methodology and geographical concepts. The final part involves a decision making assessment within in a UK context.
Useful Links
- www.atlapedia.com – Atlapedia, an online atlas.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news - BBC news website, a reliable resource for research tasks.
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ - Information on places & countries around the world.
- http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/– YDNP website.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/handsonnature/estuaries/spurn_point.shtml - Local ecosystem case study.
- www.bbc.com/education/examspecs/ztp2qty – BBC GCSE Bitesize for Eduqas B. Ask your teacher which topics to study.
How can I support my child?
Year 10 exam revision sheet, key terms sheet, ‘Take 5’ revision booklet. Students can purchase the official Eduqas B Geography GCSE book for £7 in school. Revision sessions take place to help students prepare for the Y10 exam.
Equipment required:
Having the usual school equipment in lessons is essential – pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator. Colouring pencils for maps and diagrams are also helpful.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the course to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding. Revision for exams, and reviewing exams and exam questions using PINS, helps students prepare for the GCSE exams.
Homework Information
Students are set a range of different types of homework in GCSE geography including research tasks, exam questions, learning key terms, completing task sheets, preparing for presentations and projects, revision tasks and extended writing tasks. Encourage your child to use ‘Classcharts’ and their planner to organise their work. Completing homework on time, allowing time to check through work, will helps students to make progress.
-
01
-
Year 11 Overview
-
01
Course Topic(s)
3.3 Water resources and management 3.4 Desertification Applied fieldwork enquiry – Leeds CBD fieldwork Year 11 1st mock exam – preparation and revision, assessment, PINS review
-
02
Course Topic(s)
Revision and exam practice Year 11 2nd mock exam – preparation and revision, assessment, PINS review
-
03
Course Topic(s)
Revision and exam practice
-
04
Assessment
Data response and geographical skills. Extended writing questions e.g. ‘Evaluate’ and ‘To what extent?’ command words. Problem solving (decision making) assessments e.g. Nigeria desertification assessment. Fieldwork enquiry assessment – Leeds CBD fieldwork. Year 11 mock exams.
-
05
Content / Learning Outcomes
Eduqas B – Specification at a glance
Theme 1: Changing Places – Changing Economies
1.1 Urbanisation in contrasting global cities
1.2 Urban and rural processes and change in the UK
1.3 A global perspective on development issues
Theme 2: Changing environments
2.1 Shaping the landscape – coasts and coastal management
2.2 Shaping the landscape – rivers and river management
2.3 Weather and climate
2.4 Climate change – cause and effect
Theme 3: Environmental challenges
3.1 How ecosystems function
3.2 Ecosystems under threat
3.3 Water resources and management
3.4 Desertification -
06
Content / Learning Outcomes
Eduqas B – Assessment at a glance
Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues (40%)
Three structured data response questions on the three themes in the specification. The final part of each question will require an extended response.
Component 2: Problem solving geography (30%)
This component assesses content across the themes using a variety of structured data response questions. In the final part of the assessment students choose and justify a solution in an extended response
Component 3: Applied fieldwork enquiry (30%)
This written examination assesses fieldwork enquiry methodology and geographical concepts. The final part involves a decision making assessment within in a UK context.
Useful Links
- www.atlapedia.com – Atlapedia, an online atlas.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news - BBC news website, a reliable resource for research tasks.
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ - Information on places & countries around the world.
- https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=2198306# – Links to Leeds CBD fieldwork.
- www.bbc.com/education/examspecs/ztp2qty – BBC GCSE Bitesize for Eduqas B. Ask your teacher which topics to study.
How can I support my child?
GCSE exam revision sheet, key terms sheet, ‘Take 5’ revision booklet, ’20 questions’ sheets.
Equipment required:
Having the usual school equipment in lessons is essential – pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator. Colouring pencils for maps and diagrams are also helpful.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the course to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding. Revision for exams, and reviewing exams and exam questions using PINS, helps students prepare for the GCSE exams.
Homework Information
Students are set a range of different types of homework in GCSE geography including research tasks, exam questions, learning key terms, completing task sheets, preparing for presentations and projects, revision tasks and extended writing tasks. Encourage your child to use ‘Classcharts’ and their planner to organise their work. Completing homework on time, allowing time to check through work, will helps students to make progress.
-
01
-
Year 12 Course Overview
-
01
Content / Learning Outcomes
AQA A-level Geography – specification at a glance
Physical geography
Water and carbon cycles
Coastal systems and landscapes
Hazards
Human geography
Global systems and global governance
Changing places
Contemporary urban environments
Geography fieldwork investigation
Individual fieldwork enquiry -
02
Content / Learning Outcomes
AQA A-level Geography – assessment at a glance
Component 1: Physical geography
2 hours 30 minutes exam. 120 marks. 40% of A-level.
Component 2: Human geography
2 hours 30 minutes exam. 120 marks. 40% of A-level.
Component 3: Geography fieldwork investigation
3,000-4,000 word individual enquiry. 60 marks. 40% of A-level.
Useful Links
How can I support my child?
Revision materials/support for any exams:
Revision booklets and materials provided, past and sample questions.
Equipment required:
Usual class equipment, including a calculator, is needed each lesson. Students are provided with a text book. Fieldwork equipment, provided by school, is used during fieldwork.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the course to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding. Revision for exams, and reviewing exams and exam questions using PINS, helps students prepare for the A-level exams. During the fieldwork investigation students will be expected to meet deadlines and work independently.
Self-study information
Students are expected to work independently and complete activities out of lessons. Students are supported with structuring their work and meeting deadlines. The independent fieldwork investigation involves students completing their individual enquiry using experiences from fieldwork.
-
01
-
Year 13 Course Overview
-
01
Content / Learning Outcomes
AQA A-level Geography – specification at a glance
Physical geography
Water and carbon cycles
Coastal systems and landscapes
Hazards
Human geography
Global systems and global governance
Changing places
Contemporary urban environments
Geography fieldwork investigation
Individual fieldwork enquiry -
02
Content / Learning Outcomes
AQA A-level Geography – assessment at a glance
Component 1: Physical geography
2 hours 30 minutes exam. 120 marks. 40% of A-level.
Component 2: Human geography
2 hours 30 minutes exam. 120 marks. 40% of A-level.
Component 3: Geography fieldwork investigation
3,000-4,000 word individual enquiry. 60 marks. 40% of A-level.
How can I support my child?
Revision materials/support for any exams:
Revision booklets and materials provided, past and sample questions.
Equipment required:
Usual class equipment, including a calculator, is needed each lesson. Students are provided with a text book. Fieldwork equipment, provided by school, is used during fieldwork.
Regular activities to undertake:
Students should review their learning after lessons and during the course to check understanding. Asking questions in class and asking for help when needed will help students develop confidence and improve their understanding. Revision for exams, and reviewing exams and exam questions using PINS, helps students prepare for the A-level exams. During the fieldwork investigation students will be expected to meet deadlines and work independently.
Self-study information
Students are expected to work independently and complete activities out of lessons. Students are supported with structuring their work and meeting deadlines. The independent fieldwork investigation involves students completing their individual enquiry using experiences from fieldwork.
-
01