Geography
Mr. R. Jones – Curriculum Leader
‘Geography is everywhere, all of the time’. Underpinning everything we do in Geography at Testwood is the fundamental belief that our subject encompasses almost everything, from the local to the global. Whether it is analysing business types in Totton Precinct or understanding how and why Mount Everest gets taller every year, our subject truly immerses young people in a diverse range of environments.
Geography at Testwood is centred around three ‘Golden Threads’ that are seen across key stages: ‘Economy vs. Environment’, ‘Sense of Place’ and ‘Interconnectedness’. These core principles go beyond the traditional distinctions of physical, human and environmental geography, and enable our pupils to make connections between the broad range of topic areas we cover. A Testwood Geographer leaves school fascinated about the world around them, empowered to make positive change at a crucial moment for our planet.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Intent
As outlined in the National Curriculum, KS3 Geography at Testwood deepens pupil understanding of the Earth’s key human and physical processes. To be an excellent geographer, pupils need to know the world in a variety of ways, across a range of scales. This is achieved through the study of local, national and global Geography throughout the three years of KS3. To measure success, we observe four Geography ‘Fundamentals’ that are carried through to study the subject at KS4 and beyond: Knowledge, Skills, Understanding and Application. Supporting the delivery of the subject at KS3 are ‘Core Texts’, which are matched up to every unit of work that is delivered from Years 7-9.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Intent
KS4 Geography at Testwood builds on the four ‘Fundamentals’ covered in the previous key stage, and takes them further through closer and deeper study of geographical processes. This is supported by the AQA GCSE Geography syllabus that pupils will gain a comprehensive understanding of in Years 10-11. ‘Excellence’ turns into ‘expertise’ as Testwood Geographers become even better acquainted with the world around them, able to critically analyse contemporary case studies and issues to show depth of understanding. The wide range of career opportunities available to those with backgrounds in Geography become more apparent in KS4, with sustainability a growing sector that reaches beyond the confines of more ‘traditional’ roles and highlights the importance of studying this subject.
