Geography

Key Stage 3 & 4

Intent

In Geography we aim to give students a strong, ambitious understanding of the world by exploring both physical landscapes and human processes. Through a well sequenced curriculum covering environments such as rainforests, deserts, rivers, and oceans, alongside global issues like climate change, population growth, and urbanisation, it develops secure knowledge and critical thinking.

By studying places at local, national, and global scales, the department encourages curiosity and helps students make meaningful connections about how and why our planet is changing.

Implementation

Our geography curriculum is delivered through a clear, well‑sequenced programme that builds knowledge and skills year by year.

Lessons combine explicit teaching, guided enquiry, and regular retrieval to strengthen understanding of both physical and human geography. Fieldwork, map skills, and the use of real‑world case studies ensure learning is applied in meaningful contexts, while assessments are used thoughtfully to check progress and inform next steps.

This structured approach helps students develop confidence, curiosity, and a secure grasp of the world around them.

Impact

The study of geography at Central equips our students with strong knowledge, analytical skills, and a clear understanding of global issues.

Our curriculum helps learners interpret landscapes, evaluate challenges such as climate change and sustainability, and make meaningful links between physical and human processes.

As a result, students become confident, curious, and globally aware young people who appreciate the world and their place within it.

A-Level

Intent

The AQA A-level Geography qualification is designed to develop students' knowledge of locations, places, processes, and environments, fostering an in-depth understanding of the complex interactions between people and the environment at various scales. The primary intent is to produce globally and locally aware, critical, and reflective learners who can engage with key contemporary issues facing the world today.

Implementation

The AQA A-level Geography qualification (7037) is a linear course implemented with first teaching in September 2016. It is assessed via three components at the end of the course: two written exams covering physical and human geography, and a non-examined assessment (NEA) which is an independent fieldwork investigation. 

Key Implementation Requirements

Linear Structure: All exams and the NEA must be completed at the end of the course in the same examination series.

Subject Content: The curriculum is split into physical and human geography, covering core and non-core topics, and requires students to apply geographical concepts and skills.

Physical Geography topics include Water and carbon cycles, Coastal systems and landscapes, Glacial systems and landscapes, Hazards, and Ecosystems under stress.

Human Geography topics include Globalisation, Changing places, Contemporary urban environments, and Population and environment.

Fieldwork Requirement: Students must undertake a minimum of four days of fieldwork in relation to processes in both physical and human geography. Schools and colleges must provide a fieldwork statement to AQA by May 15th in the year of entry to confirm this requirement has been met.

Independent Investigation (NEA): This is a 3,000–4,000 word written report based on a student-defined research question, incorporating significant fieldwork. It is worth 20% of the total A-level grade.

Certain stages of the investigation, such as defining the research question, data analysis, and writing up the report, must be carried out independently.

Geographical Skills: Students must develop and apply a range of quantitative and qualitative skills, including observation, measurement, geospatial mapping, and statistical analysis.

Assessment Objectives (AOs): Grades are awarded based on a student's ability to demonstrate knowledge (AO1), analysis and evaluation (AO2), and practical/fieldwork skills (AO3).

Further details and resources can be found on the official AQA website. 

Impact

The AQA A-Level Geography qualification has a significant impact by developing a diverse and highly sought-after skill set, providing a deep understanding of complex global issues, and opening doors to a wide range of academic and professional pathways. It is highly regarded by universities and employers for its academic rigour and relevance to the modern world. 

Academic and Skill Development Impact

The qualification is designed to foster both knowledge and a versatile set of skills highly valued in higher education and the workplace. 

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Students learn to analyse complex people-environment interactions, evaluate sources, and construct evidenced arguments, which are key problem-solving skills for real-world issues.

Data Literacy: The course develops strong quantitative and qualitative skills, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and statistics.

Research & Communication: Students gain experience in independent research, fieldwork, and effectively communicating findings through various formats, from extended essays to visual presentations.

Interdisciplinary Understanding: By blending aspects of science, politics, economics, and sociology, geography provides a holistic understanding of the world, making it a versatile subject that combines well with many other A-levels.

Facilitating Subject Status: Geography is a "facilitating subject" identified by Russell Group universities, meaning it is a strong choice for keeping a wide range of degree options open, including Law, Engineering, and various social and physical sciences.

Real-World and Career Impact

The qualification equips individuals to understand and contribute to solutions for pressing contemporary challenges, such as climate change, urbanisation, and resource security. 

Environmental and Sustainability Careers: Graduates are well-suited for roles in environmental consultancy, conservation, climate science, and sustainable development due to their deep understanding of environmental systems and challenges.

Urban Planning and Development: The focus on urban issues, global economies, and social dynamics provides a foundation for careers in town planning, transport analysis, and humanitarian aid.

Diverse Industry Pathways: The analytical skills acquired are recognised by employers in various sectors, including data analysis, government policy, the armed forces, business, and international relations.

Engagement as Citizens: The course encourages students to engage with significant global questions and issues, developing the knowledge needed to shape policies and practices on local and global scales.

In essence, the AQA A-Level Geography qualification goes beyond traditional "capes and bays" knowledge, shaping students into critical and reflective learners ready to address the complexities of the modern world. 