Geography
Why is the study of Geography important?
Michael Palin, a renowned explorer and geographer, states that ‘Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems’ and for that very reason studying Geography is important for the students of Sirius Academy West. We all live our everyday lives geographically. Earth is our home. It is awe-inspiring, diverse, dynamic, exciting and ever changing.
The study of geography draws on personal experience to help us better understand the places we live in, why they matter and how these places are connected to a globalised world. Geography is the study of the Earth’s people, places, environments, landscapes and cultures and it looks at issues from physical, cultural, economic and political perspectives, highlighting key issues for the present and future, from issues affecting us in Hull to global issues and the connection and impact we can have. Through geography, we learn to appreciate the diversity of landscapes, peoples and cultures with our world and local communities. Geography is therefore a vital subject for 21st century global citizens, enabling us to ask questions and explore what it means to live sustainably in an interdependent world.
Geography helps us investigate and to think critically and creatively about the difficulties of different places, and views and feelings relating to countries on a range of scales. Geography is a subject, which builds on young people’s own experiences, helping them to develop their intellectual skills and find answers to issues affecting their lives. It also introduces them to distinctive investigative tools such as maps, fieldwork and the use of powerful digital communication technologies. It opens their eyes to the beauty and wonder around them and acts as a source of inspiration and creativity. Geography at Sirius Academy West aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be successful global citizens and realise they really do hold the key too many of the world’s problems.
Geography Learning Journey – VIEW
-
What will the study of Geography teach you?
Geography at Sirius has two main aims; to make the student’s successful learners and confident individuals. This will be done through a variety of engaging and exciting topics, which will concentrate on the student’s as global citizens with an emphasis on human, physical and environmental topics. Students will have the opportunity to understand more about their world, the challenges it faces and their place within it.
At KS3, there is emphasis on locational and place knowledge, human and physical processes and some technical procedures, such as using grid references. Fieldwork, the use of maps and written communication are key skills required.
The KS3 curriculum includes:
Year 7
What is our world like?
Geography and Me
Where are the world’s fantastic places?
Why is our weather so changeable?
What are the opportunities and challenges facing Africa?
How does a river change downstream?
Year 8
Why is Geography in the news?
What is it like to live in Europe?
How can we use our resources sustainably?
How are populations changing?
Why are the UK’s coasts changing?
Year 9
Why is climate change a threat?
Where can I go on holiday?
Why is our Earth so unstable?
What makes weather extreme?
Why is Brazil a country of contrasts?
-
How is the curriculum implemented?
Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision and aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves. The geography curriculum at Sirius Academy West is engaging and relevant and every student no matter their starting point are challenged and supported.
Our geography curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. We focus on progression of knowledge and skills and discreet vocabulary progression also form part of the units of work.
We pride ourselves on quality first teaching with a strong team of geographers who aim to deliver an up to date curriculum where all students can access the content and have the opportunity to succeed.
-
How can Geography support your future?
The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes. The transferable skills for life-long learning which geography fosters are an asset in the complex world of employment today. Geography is about the future and encourages flexible thinking.
Geography tackles the big issues:
- Environmental responsibility
- Our global interdependence
- Cultural understanding and tolerance
- Commerce, trade and industry.
Geography is highly regarded by employers and it is the only subject that crosses both the arts and sciences and is a huge growth area in the job market. The job market has become increasingly competitive and international. However, the transferable knowledge and skills developed by studying geography are actively sought out by employers allowing graduate geographers to consistently experience lower than average levels of unemployment. Geography graduates are currently less likely to be unemployed than graduates who have studied other degrees.
There are many amazing and exciting jobs related to the study of geography, geographers enter a wide range of career areas and put simply there is no such thing as a geography job, just jobs that geographers do.
Some examples of jobs are:
- Town Planning
- Travel and tourism
- Teaching
- Retail
- Management
- Transport
- Financial services
- Cartographer
- Commercial/residential surveyor
- Environmental consultant
- Geographical information systems officer
- Planning and development surveyor
- Data Quality officer
- Commercial/residential surveyor
- Environmental consultant
- Geographical information systems officer
- Planning and development surveyor
There are many famous people who have studied Geography, the Duke of Cambridge, Mother Teresa and Michael Palin are a few examples. Others include Immanuel Kant, the philosopher; Alexander von Humboldt, the naturalist and explorer; Hugh Dennis, the comedian; and television presenter Chris Tarrant.
Top athletes have also graduated in the subject, including Michael Jordan, the basketball player; Olympic gold medal-winning rowers Sir Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell; and former England rugby player Rob Andrew.
Anita Roddick, the founder of the Body Shop, and David Harvey, the geographer and anthropologist, also hold degrees in the subject.
Other Subjects
Student Testimonial
“I like geography lessons as I always come away with something new that I have learnt. My favourite topic has been ‘geography in the news’ and ‘tectonics’ as I have found it exciting and interesting looking at different hazards and events. In geography we look at different cultures, places and issues which shape our world and have even completed escape rooms which are really fun. “
