Overview

In geography, we aim to create excellent geographers by promoting curiosity and developing the core knowledge and skills students need to engage with world issues throughout their lives. Students build an understanding of the diversity of the world, the physical and human processes that shape it, and our relationship with the natural environment. Learning covers human, physical and environmental geography at a range of scales, from local to global, encouraging a sense of awe and interest in places and current global issues.

At Key Stage 3, students study geography regularly each week and complete a range of topics across the year. Assessment includes extended written responses and core knowledge checks, alongside opportunities for fieldwork in Years 7 and 8.

At Key Stage 4, GCSE Geography is offered as an option, with compulsory fieldwork forming an important part of the course. Students complete three examinations at the end of Year 11, covering physical geography, human geography, and geographical enquiry and skills.

Year 7

  • How and why has Sheffield changed over time?
  • Are all places equal?
  • How and why are populations changing?
  • How has the Earth changed over time?
  • How does physical geography affect place?

Year 8

  • How is our weather created?
  • How have glaciers altered the UK’s landscape?
  • Have humans damaged ecosystems beyond repair?

Year 9

  • How has globalisation affected our world?
  • How diverse is the continent of Africa?
  • As a region, how important is the Middle East?
  • Is our planet becoming more extreme?
  • Who is having the greatest impact on our planet?

Year 10

  • Term 1 – changing economic world
  • Term 2 – changing economic work, natural disasters
  • Term 3 – natural hazards, living world
  • Term 4 – living world
  • Terms 5 & 6 – UK landscapes, natural hazards, rivers

Year 11

  • Term 1 – urban issues and challenges
  • Term 2 – urban issues and challenges, coasts
  • Term 3 – resource management
  • Term 4 – pre-release, revision
  • Term 5 – revision

Exam board

AQA

Specification

Years 12 & 13

We offer this subject at Key Stage 5. Click here to find out more.