Geography Curriculum
“The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exist across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” – Barack Obama
Rationale:
At St. Patrick’s, our Geography curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them, its people, places, and environments, while nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of global responsibility.
We provide a strong foundation in both physical and human geography, helping pupils understand the natural processes shaping our planet and the human activity influencing its future. Through the curriculum, pupils develop:
- A deep understanding of locational knowledge and spatial awareness
- The ability to analyse geographical processes, connections, and how places change over time
- Practical skills such as map reading, fieldwork, and data analysis
- Confidence in presenting well-reasoned arguments backed by evidence
- An awareness of sustainability and the challenges facing our environment
Our aim is to equip pupils not only with academic knowledge and skills, but also with the awareness and values needed to make informed, responsible decisions as global citizens.
Implementation:
By following the AQA exam board specification at KS4, the curriculum ensures progression from KS3, equipping pupils with the skills necessary for GCSE assessments and beyond.
At KS3 the curriculum covers Physical Geography: Weather and climate, rivers, coasts, and ecosystems. Human Geography: Population, urbanisation, economic activities, globalisation. Geographical Skills: Map skills, data interpretation, GIS, and fieldwork techniques. Case Studies: UK and global case studies to apply knowledge to real-world examples.
Building on KS3 foundations, KS4 follows the AQA specification with three key components:
- Living with the Physical Environment: Natural hazards, ecosystems, and physical landscapes in the UK.
- Challenges in the Human Environment: Urban issues, the changing economic world, and resource management.
- Geographical Applications: Issue evaluation, fieldwork, and geographical skills.
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/specification
What enrichment opportunities do we offer in Geography?
All Year 7 pupils will have the opportunity to develop curriculum skills learned in the classroom in an outdoor setting. Pupils will be offered the chance to visit Hamsterley forest and test their geographical map skills through orienteering. Pupils will also be able to further embed their knowledge of Deciduous forest ecosystems through participation in a forest skills and exploration session. Year 8 pupils will also have the opportunity to develop their skills in an outdoor setting. Pupils will be offered the chance to participate in a Coastering session which will allow them to observe the coastal features they have learned in the classroom. Year 9 pupils will undertake river exploration which will prepare them for their GCSE in Geography
KS4 pupils will take part in field work as part of their GCSE
- Physical enquiry (Does Hard engineering control Long shore drift at Hendon Beach?
- Human enquiry (Does tourism have an economic impact at South Shields?)
There is also an ECO group as part of Young CAFOD Leaders in year 10.
How can the study of Geography support pupils beyond school?:
Studying Geography at St Patrick’s helps pupils understand the world around them and prepares them to become informed, responsible global citizens. The subject builds a wide range of transferable skills—such as critical thinking, data analysis, and decision-making—that are valuable in further education and a broad range of careers.
Career pathways may include urban planning, environmental consultancy, teaching, international development, and roles linked to sustainability and climate action. Geography also deepens pupils’ understanding of real-world challenges like climate change, migration, and global inequality—encouraging them to engage thoughtfully with the issues that shape our world.
