Geography

Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Useful Websites

Welcome to the Geography department where we aim to provide an innovative and stimulating learning environment which embeds a real sense of wonder about places. We help young people to make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. Geography explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on pupils’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.

Through Geographical enquiry we encourage questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element at Ladybridge through local, regional and international experiences. Pupils learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. As a department we inspire pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.

Independent enquirers

Pupils use Geography to process and evaluate information. This might be through fieldwork and enquiry based projects or research assignments. Pupils learn to take informed and well reasoned decisions and recognise that others have different beliefs and attitudes.

Creative thinkers

Pupils use Geography to think creatively by generating and exploring ideas, making original connections. Through group orientated or independent learning environments they investigate solutions to problems such as traffic congestion in urban areas or improvements made in squatter settlements in LEDCs. They have the opportunity to produce imaginative solutions that are of value.

T eam Workers

Pupils use Geography to develop their skills of team work. This enables them

to become confident team players who can adapt to different contexts and

take a range of responsibilities for their own part. There is an environment of

equality where other views are listened to and respected. They form

collaborative relationships, resolving issues to reach agreed outcomes.

Self managers

Pupils in Geography are given the opportunity to organise themselves, show initiative, creativity and enterprise with a commitment to learning and self-improvement. Through class work and homework pupils are given the opportunity to be creative in their thinking and meet deadlines where needed.

Effective participators

Geography embraces citizenship and the skills and opportunities are transferable through the whole school curriculum and in the wider community. Geography enables young people to make the right decisions to bring about responsible actions toward themselves and others.

Reflective learners

Geography provides young people with the opportunity to evaluate their strengths and limitations. They are able to reflect on their learning and set realistic goals within the parameters for success. They can monitor their own performance and progress and invite feedback from others. By sharing learning pupils are provided with a greater diversity of approaches and techniques in order to make lifelong improvements and changes

Members of the Geography Team

J Knowles Head of Department

P Wyatt Teacher of Geography

M Witter Deputy Headteacher and teacher of Geography

All students study Geography for 2 lessons per week in Key Stage 3 with the option of 3 lessons per week in Key Stage 4.