Head of geography: Tanith Lynham (t.lynham@swr.gloucs.sch.uk)

Our intent: Provide a curriculum for learners of all abilities and backgrounds that will empower them to understand and question the world in which we live. The breadth of this curriculum will ensure that students understand key geographical concepts and develop a range of geographical skills that allow them to draw evidence and make links within and beyond the subject. Ultimately students will be equipped to leave SWR geography understanding their role, responsibility and impact on the planet and the processes at force. Beth key stages intend to do this by interweaving a range of concepts and skills (geographical and HO thinking skills).

Extra-Curricular:  Geography has previously offered several trips to enable students to develop their understanding of the world around them. We have routinely offered trips to Slimbridge and a local study at Forest Green. We have historically undertaken our GCSE fieldwork at the Carding Mill Valley – exploring how a river changes as it moves downstream. As well as Brimingham (one of our case studies) to investigate the impact that the recent regeneration has had on the city. All of our fieldtrips aim to develop students investigative, analytical, numeracy and evaluation skills. Pre pandemic we also took part in a number of geographical debating competitions such as Mini UN’s and Climate Change debates at Cheltenham Town Council.

The Big Picture

KS3

Our Key Stage 3 provision is 3 hours per fortnight. KS3 aims to explore a wide range of geographical issues/topics, whilst developing their geographical skills. We use a range of case studies and where possible incorporate current affairs.

KS4

This exciting and relevant course studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them. Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes. Fieldwork is usually undertaken in year 10 and forms part of paper 3 – Geographical Applications.

This GCSE is broken down into 3 papers:

• Living with the Physical Environment 35%
• Challenges in the Human Environment 35%
• Geographical Applications 30%