At Audenshaw we study a variety of physical, human and environmental issues. Pupils develop a wide range of skills to use in the classroom and for their development as young adults. They learn to synthesise facts, figures and ideas providing an ideal preparation for the world of work. These are acquired through a variety of mediums which help develop pupils' team work, decision making, communication and IT skills.
At Key Stage Three our curriculum follows the aims embedded by the National Curriculum. In doing so pupils develop as young people with a knowledge and understanding of the place in which they live, of other places and people, and how these people and places inter-relate and connect. They understand how to locate different places and environments and are able to distinguish different physical and human features. They show an understanding of how people and the environment interlink and the causes and consequences of geographical change. Pupils also develop skills needed to carry out geographical study; the use of maps and skills required in the field. Pupils gain an informed concern for the world around them and the ability to take positive sustainable action locally and globally. They develop interests in charities and organisations such as Fairtrade.
Topics studied are:-
Year 7 – Map and atlas skills, settlement, earthquakes and volcanoes, rivers and floods.
Year 8 – Energy, ecosystems, Brazil, crime, coasts
Year 9 –Development, population, Geography of China, tourism and globalisation
At Key Stage Four half of the pupils in Years 10 and 11 continue with the study of Geography. We are a successful department and regularly over 75% of our pupils achieve grades A*-C. Our chosen course has a great emphasis on "People and the Environment". The chosen course is the WJEC Specification B with comprises of 75% examination and 25% Controlled Assessment.
The topics covered are:-
- The Challenges of living in a Built Environment
- Physical Processes and Relationships Between People and Environments
- Uneven development and Sustainable Environments
- Controlled Assessment, which includes a day’s fieldwork, and assessment in school in examination conditions.
Pupils develop an understanding of the physical and human characteristics of specific locations. They develop an appreciation of where places and landscapes are located and how they are changing. They learn about connections between places and the significance of these in relation to social, economic and political circumstances. Pupils also become aware of the links between the physical and human environment and how environmental change is caused. They pursue the idea of sustainable development and its paramount importance for the future. They gain an understanding of how natural and human processes shape places, landscapes and societies. Cultures are also studied and pupils develop an understanding of the similarities and differences between people, places, environments and cultures. The department develops pupils independent learning by developing their writing and listening skills in preparation for their pieces of Controlled Assessment.
At AS/A2 Geography is also a popular subject. We study the AQA Specification to AS and A2. Again we have been successful with a high percentage of our pupils achieving A/B. A number of our pupils go onto study Geography at university including Oxford. The course allows pupils to develop a number of values and attitudes of decision-makers whilst considering their own values and attitudes. They develop a variety of geographical skills whilst broadening and deepening their existing knowledge. Most importantly they learn to work independently.
The AS course (Year 12) consists of 2 units worth 50% of the total A Level mark:-
Unit 1 – Physical and Human Geography 70% of AS (35% of A2 )
Unit 2 Geographical Skills, this includes a fieldwork element 30% of AS (15% of A2)
At A2 the following is studied:-
Unit 3:- Geographical issues such as World Cities, Globalisation, Weather and Climate and Natural Hazards. – 30% of A2
Unit 4B – Work on a Geographical Issue based on pre- released material 20% - of A2
The department is adaptable and embraces the dynamic nature and ever changing nature of the subject. Teachers develop their own interests and are always willing to develop pupils’ wider understanding of the subject.