Geography
‘Without geography you are…….NOWHERE’
Geography is the study of the earth's landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live. Our aims here at Westholme are to develop a sense of place and to develop an awareness of a selection of contrasting physical and human environments. Geography gives an insight into the relationships between people and the environment and how each affects the other and to comprehend the concept of sustainable development. Geography enables students to foster a sympathetic understanding of some of the major issues of social concern such as poverty and population problems.
Year 7
Study Ordnance Survey mapskills, settlement, flooding and the European Union.
Fieldwork activity: Orienteering at Hothersall Lodge.
Year 8
Study population, tropical rainforests, Kenya, and river landforms.
Fieldwork activity: River study of the River Brock.
Year 9
Study China, the Olympics, shopping past, present and future, volcanoes and earthquakes.
Fieldwork activity: Shopping enquiry in Bolton and Middlebrook.
‘Geography is life-it is impossible to conceive of rounded human beings who have not grasped the fundamentals of Geography’
GCSE
GCSE Geography has consistently been one of the most popular subjects chosen by students for GCSE. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is also a popular choice in the Sixth Form and beyond. This is principally so because of the enthusiasm and expertise of the department’s Geographers. Their approach to the subject is based upon the philosophy that Geography can and should be understood and enjoyed by all, and that students and teachers alike are engaged in an endeavour to think independently, research topical events and problem solve.
AQA A specification, students study the following topics: Restless Earth, Rocks, Resources and Scenery, Ice on the Land, Population change, Urban Change and Tourism. Fieldwork activity: Residential fieldtrip to the Yorkshire Dales.
2011 GCSE results:
|
A*/A |
A*-B |
A*-C |
|
76% |
98% |
100% |
Advanced Level
AQA specification that includes detailed exploration of a rich variety of human and physical Geography topics. Many of our students continue with their study of Geography at university.
AS level
Study Rivers, Coasts, Population and Health issues. Fieldwork activities: Residential fieldtrip to the Lake District to carry out a river study, a comparison of wards in Blackburn, coastal studies on the sand dunes at Ainsdale and a study of regeneration in Stratford, London-the site of the 2012 Olympics.
A2 level
Study Plate Tectonics and associated hazards, World Cities and Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges. Fieldwork activities: regeneration of Manchester city centre and Salford Quays and the conflict over Scout Moor wind farm.
2011 A-Level results:
|
A*/A |
A*-B |
|
78% |
100% |
Trips abroad
‘The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page’
The students have the opportunity to participate in educational visits abroad during the school holidays. In recent years the Geography Department has run trips to China (2007), Iceland (2008), Italy (2009), Iceland (2011), and is planning the next trip to the west coast of the USA to see the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park.
Competitions
The Geography department runs many exciting competitions within school such as the contour model competition in year 7 and the volcano model competition in year 9. If model making is not your forte you can try the ‘Where in the world’ competition where pupils have to identify the country from the photographs and clues.
The department also enters national competitions such as the ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ which is run by the Royal Geographical Society and the Geographical Magazine. Pupils are set different tasks each year from writing an essay on a geographical issue to producing a mindmap. Our students have received Highly Commended awards in this very prestigious national competition.
Westholme's new Senior Boys' School from September 2012!
