Staff

  • Miss E Donnelly - Teacher of Geography

Aims of Geography Department

  • To make the study of Geography enjoyable and accessible to all.

  • To promote an ethos of inclusion and participation.

  • To stimulate a deeper understanding of the world we live in, the natural environment and human landscapes and all the connections between them.

  • To develop key life skills such as the thinking skills and personal capabilities.

  • To develop Geographical skills.        

Key Stage 3

All pupils study Geography at Key Stage 3. Pupils develop their curiosity about the world around them; and explore how we interact with our world and with each other by studying a range of engaging topics. Pollution, migration, climate change, global poverty and natural hazards are commonplace news items. These issues are taught within the KS3 Geography curriculum.

Year 8 pupils study:

  • World Mapwork - (continents, oceans, major rivers, mountains, and deserts)

  • Ireland Mapwork - (counties, rivers, mountains, and cities)

  • Map skills, Waste and Recycling, and Settlement.

Year 9 pupils study:

  • Population

  • Weather and Climate

  • Weathering and Erosion, and Coasts.

Year 10 pupils study:

  • Tectonic Hazards

  • Rivers

  • Ecosystems, Ecotourism, and Tourism.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Geography students study the CCEA exam specification at KS4.  Students must complete three externally assessed exams. The specification has three units:

Unit 1: Understanding Our Natural World (40%)

Unit 1 topics:

  • Theme A: River Environments

  • Theme B: Coastal Environments

  • Theme C: Our Changing Weather and Climate

  • Theme D: The Restless Earth

Unit 2: Living in Our World (40%)

Unit 2 topics:

  • Theme A: Population and Migration

  • Theme B: Changing Urban Areas

  • Theme C: Contrasts in World Development

  • Theme D: Managing Our Environment

 

Unit 3: Fieldwork (20%)

Pupils complete a one hour written examination and base their answers on their knowledge and experience of fieldwork.

Careers

The KS3 and GCSE courses prepare students for the study of Geography at a more advanced level, for example post 16 courses in Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and A Level Geography, or Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education in Travel and Tourism. Following post 16 courses, pupils may enter Higher Education where a range of Geography courses can be undertaken as either Science or Arts options.

There are a wide range of career opportunities and pathways opened with a qualification in Geography. These include Environmental Management and Planning, Town and Country Planning, Leisure, Travel and Tourism, Scientific Services, Meteorology, Geology, Surveying, Architecture, etc.