Geography

2nd and 3rd Form Curriculum Handbook

About the Department

'Geography is half of all education and stands out as the one true science. Its only equal in status is the study of human imagination and belief through English literature.'

In terms of population pyramids there is a distinct bulge at the top of this department. Together we can muster over 80 years experience and knowledge. However, enthusiasm is undimmed and we are often to be found planning and going on field trips, whether it be to the local sand dunes or the Himalayas. The department is well equipped, all 3 classrooms having videos, data projectors and OHPs. Loretto has its own electronic weather station and an excellent geography library.

Teaching and Learning

Geography is an increasingly relevant and ever popular subject at GCSE, AS and A-level. Many Sixth form geographers go on to study the subject at University and beyond.

AS level geography may be studied in the Lower Sixth year and by Upper Sixth formers if their timetable permits. The course consists of 3 parts : Physical Environments, Human environments and Fieldwork investigation with the submission of a piece of coursework based upon fieldwork. During the course additional material is studied in preparation for the 'synoptic' paper at the end of the A-level course which links the human studies to the physical studies.

The A-level follows on from the AS level and consists of a physical section where glacial systems and ecosystems are studied and a human section where economic and rural-urban interrelationships are covered. The final synoptic paper brings together all aspects of the course and involves the interpretation of data and the use of knowledge gained throughout the course.

The GCSE is a two year course studied in the Fourth and Fifth forms. 8 topics are studied. Six core topics include the topics of glaciation, rivers, weather and coasts on the physical side and population, industry and farming on the human side. A piece of coursework is submitted based upon fieldwork which is usually completed in the local area.

The Third Form syllabus is an internally written one and tries as much as possible to prepare the pupils for their GCSE course and beyond. Apart from thematic studies such as earthquakes, hurricanes, pollution and desertification we also study Brazil and Japan based upon the BBC '2000' series. At all times geographical skills are emphasised from map reading to note taking.

Activities

As well as field trips, regular trips to the RSGS lectures are undertaken.

Anna Peak, Head of Geography

Geography Graduate of the University of Exeter 2001, Anna taught Geography and was Assistant Housemistress at Epsom College from 2001-2005. She left the SE of England to teach in SE Asia at Garden International School, Thailand. She spent two years traveling SE Asia from her teaching base in Thailand but friends and family lured her back to colder lands. Anna has also spent two years working as a Dive Master in the Red Sea and if it paid better would return to the water full time!!!