Teaching Staff

Mr. H. Piotr, B.Sc. (Hons.)

Mrs. C. Killen, B.Ed. (Hons.)

The study of Geography is considered pivotal to a fuller and more enriched understanding of our ever-changing world.  The taught material focuses learning on the processes of change taking place in both the physical and human environments, whilst exploring the important connections which exist between them.  The study of Geography facilitates a deeper appreciation of the causes, impacts and issues raised by changes over space, (be it local, regional, national or global) and time, (short term / long term).  Intrinsic to what is taught and how it is taught, are the opportunities given to students, where appropriate, to explore their own values and attitudes towards change as well as those of others, including decision makers.

Pupils' success in Geography at GCSE will provide a solid foundation to study the AS and full ‘A' level course.  There are compulsory (‘Core') topics to be studied within the context of both Physical and Human Geography but the specification also allows centres to choose topics of study from a list of options provided, thus allowing teachers the opportunity to engage in those aspects of the subject they feel will be of most interest to their students.  These topics in many instances were touched upon at GCSE but the course will be broadened and deepened at AS and A2.  There are also new topic areas which will be covered.

Geography has, of course, a practical side to it and students opting to follow the course will be involved in the completion of some fieldwork. However, within the current specification for AS / A level pupils no longer have the former option of completing a piece of internally assessed individual Coursework. Instead, fieldwork and other specified research skills, are now assessed within the context of the exam papers set for Modules 2 (AS), and 4 (A 2).

The Geography Department has a track record of high achievement at ‘A' level. Whilst there are many ingredients that feed into success, we believe strongly in the positive impact of having the best possible ‘team spirit' in each year group. We believe that, students enjoying the rigours of learning about the subject, enjoying learning with supporting and challenging each other, ultimately make the biggest advances. At the same time, students must have a healthy working relationship with their teachers, who will, amongst other things, direct, support and critically assess work and progress, demand increased effort when called for and look to encourage and push each individual to achieve the very best grade that he or she can.