Key Stage 3 Geography.
Parkside sees geography as a vital component of the curriculum and is keen to develop it as far as possible. Geography is indispensable as it is the only subject that focuses directly upon the relationship between the world and its people. It does this through the study of places, themes and skills. Geographers ask the questions where and what; also, how and why.
The subject also seeks to describe and understand the processes and patterns that are linked to those features. Also, they relate to the impact of human activity and the environmental consequences.
Aim
To teach the subject in such a way that geography is perceived as a stimulating and fun subject.
Objectives
To broaden their horizons and helps them to understand their place in the world.
To introduce them to societies and cultures, and help they understand the concept of citizenship.
To help break down prejudices and counter stereotyping.
To give the pupils skills to help them now and in the future.
Entitlement
The programme of study for each key stage will be taught to all or the great majority of the pupils, in ways appropriate to their abilities. There should be equal opportunities for all pupils, regardless of sex, religion or social background.
Fieldwork
This involves active learning outside the classroom, is an integral part of the subject. Currently, Year 5 visit a Worcestershire farm in the summer term and Year 6 explore a local river in the autumn months. More trips are in the pipeline.
Workshops
These have been set up to stimulate learning beyond the curriculum. At the moment, KS 3 pupils are actively engaged in a geology project run in part by the Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust and in conjunction with Worcester University. Also, the Earth Balloon project (a giant inflatable earth model) will be making another appearance this year.
Scheme
The entire teaching plan for the subject has recently been upgraded. It is now on the teachers’ network and so available for use in all classrooms.
The following is an outline of the units covered throughout the years:
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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| Year 5 | Settlement | Eyam | Food & Farming |
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| Year 6 | Rivers | St. Lucia | The Environment |
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| Year 7 | Geomorphological Processes | Economic Activity | Settlement |
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| Year 8 | Italy | Brazil | The Global Community |
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