Why do we learn geography?
At Ark Soane, pupils are taught a knowledge rich curriculum which enables them to make sense of the world around them whilst creating a sense of belonging. The curriculum is ambitious in its depth enabling students to see the how different human and physical processes shape the planet we live on. The curriculum also reflects the breath and diversity of the discipline exploring the interconnectedness of society, the economy, culture, and the environment. The curriculum prioritises subject specific language and knowledge to enable pupils to meaningfully engage in the world around them.
Head of Department
Grace Steggall
Our approach
The study of geography offers a uniquely powerful lens through which to see the world, helping them to see connections between places and scales which would otherwise be missed. Students are pushed beyond the confines of their everyday experience, to encounter places and landscapes that they may otherwise not meaningfully understand. This brings a sense of awe and wonder of the world, increases care and compassion for the planet and its inhabitants, and raises understanding of and tolerance for different ways of living. Through the curriculum, students engage with questions of great significance for our planet including climate change, hazard management migration, development and how we can live on earth sustainably. The study of geography is also a matter of citizenship as it helps young people to encounter and engage with their world and find a sense of belonging to their community and nation.
At KS3, a foundation of essential knowledge is prioritised to ensure pupils have a deep understanding of physical and human concepts. At GCSE, pupils will be taught the AQA Geography curriculum which follows an enriching mixture of both physical and human geography, as well as fieldwork.
Year 7
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to geography | Introduction to fieldwork |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Landscapes and coasts | Biomes |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Human geography 1 | Human geography 2 |
All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Religious Education
Year 8
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Return to geography | Coastal environments (2) |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Economic geography | Rivers |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Energy & resources | Hot and cold climates - Polar and Middle East |
All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Religious Education
Year 9
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Return to geography - advanced | Coasts and oceans |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Tectonic Hazards | Economic geography |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Hazards | Development geography |
All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Religious Education
Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| The Living World | The Living World |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Physical Landscapes of the UK | Physical Landscapes of the UK |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Urban Issues and Challenges | Fieldwork |
All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Religious Education
Year 11
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| The Changing Economic World | The Changing Economic World |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| The Challenge of Natural Hazards | The Challenge of Resource Management |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Issue Evaluation Pre-Release | Revision |
All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Religious Education
Year 12
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Population and the Environment | Glaciers |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Changing Places | Glaciers |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| NEA: Geographic investigation | Water and Carbon |
All Year 12 subjects Next Year 12 Subject - Religious Education
Year 13
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| NEA: Geographic investigation | Hazards |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Global systems and governance | Hazards |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Revision | Revision |
All Year 13 subjects Next Year 13 Subject - Religious Education