Geography
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As an academic discipline, Geography has made numerous important contributions to our knowledge and continues to inform us about the world and how it works.
Today, it is a vibrant and popular subject at FHS with healthy numbers at both GCSE and A Level.
Geography is our future and it enables us to
- Investigate the earth and its peoples
- Study the features of the earth – such as mountains, rivers and seas – and how they were formed
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of the cultures and backgrounds of people from all over the world
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of current events from the local area to the global
- Develop a range of useful skills such as map reading, data collection, ICT and problem solving
Lower School
In the first three years at FHS (III, LIV and UIV), we implement the National Curriculum in terms of geographical skills and develop a sense of place through thematic topics, using case studies and stimulus material in lessons. A variety of teaching and learning methods is used, with an emphasis on the application of thinking skills and ICT to enhance understanding. Along with fieldwork, visits to museums, exhibitions and lectures are also incorporated into the programme of study, where appropriate.
GCSE
The Lower Fifth study the AQA Geography course and the Upper Fifth follow the Cambridge IGCSE specification. Both courses emphasise the relationships between people and the environment. The study of Geography at GCSE encourages the development of a ‘sense of place’; an understanding of the physical and human processes that affect the environment, and an awareness of the opportunities and challenges that people face in different places. A variety of skills are acquired, including interpretation and analysis of a range of geographic evidence such as written reports, newspaper articles, graphs, maps, photographs and data. There is also an emphasis on using and developing Computing skills. Independent learning and the discussion of topical issues are an important part of the course.
A Level
The study of Geography in the Sixth Form equips students with an in-depth knowledge of places, processes and environments. They discover the variety of human and physical environments, how people and place interrelate, and the causes and consequences of environmental change at a variety of scales. Skills such as interpreting information, statistical analysis, independent enquiry, discussion and mapwork are an integral part of the course.
Both the Lower and Upper Sixth follow the OCR A Level syllabus. Post 16 Geography courses equips learners with the skills required to make a success of their subsequent studies at university. This course enables students to learn about people and their societies, economies, cultures and the environment, at a variety of spatial scales.
Geography is a valuable subject to study at Sixth Form level. It is widely considered by Russell Group Universities to be the most popular facilitating subject, which enables students to analyse and evaluate information, presented well-reasoned arguments.
Recent trips in the Geography Department:
- Thirds completed a treasure hunt in Hyde Park to finesse map skills
- Lower Fourth Trip to Whitstable to identify coastal processes
- Upper Fourth Trip to Kew Gardens to explore ecosystems
- Lower Fifth Trip to the Queen Elizabeth stadium to study regeneration and Walton-on-the Naze in Essex to evaluate coastal management
- Lower Sixth Trip to Snowdonia
- Iceland
- Costa Rica trip coming in Autumn 2024
The Geography department is made up of three full-time members of staff and one part-time.
Ms J Dawes is Head of Geography, ably assisted by Ms S Hack, Ms V Robin and Ms C Beauchamp. All are hugely enthusiastic about Geography and have a wealth of interests including both Human and Physical Geography. They all instill the same passion for the subject into the girls they teach. This results in high numbers of girls taking GCSE and A Level with girls achieving outstanding examination results.
