‘Geography is all about the living, breathing essence of the world we live in. It explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?’
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.
Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3)
Ordnance Survey mapskills, development, Africa and Kenya, the water cycle and river flooding and the European Union. Fieldwork activity: Population and atlas skills, natural environments (hot deserts and polar regions), Asia and India, weathering and erosion and river landforms. Orienteering and team building skills at Hothersall Lodge.
In year 9 we begin to cover topics on the GCSE course: tectonic hazards, tropical storms, extreme weather, climate change and economic activities in glaciated uplands. There is a fieldwork trip: tourism study in the Lake District.
Years 10-11 (GCSE)
Examination Board: AQA
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.
Students study the following topics: river and glacial landscapes in the UK, ecosystems (including tropical rainforests and cold environments), urban challenges, the changing economic world and the challenge of resource management.
Sixth Form (A Level)
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Other information
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), the west coast of the USA to see the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park (2012), Sicily (2014) and Iceland (2016).