Geography

Geography is a popular and successful subject at Clifton, with 68% of A2 candidates achieving A grades in the examinations of Summer 2007. This included two successful Oxbridge candidates and another student who achieved a place in the top 5 nationally at A2 level for our examination board of AQA B.

Head of Geography
Mrs Heather Mann MA MSc
Teachers
Mrs Annie Musgrove MA MBA Mrs Fiona Hallworth MA Mr Jonathan Hughes MA Mr Martin Williams BA

The study of Geography at Clifton provides an excellent base for general education whilst also providing the full academic grounding needed to pursue the subject into Higher Education. In this way it widens rather than narrows career opportunities because of the research, analysis, interpretation and communication skills that are integral to the subject. At all levels Geography aims to encourage students to extend their learning through class-based and independent exploration, problem-solving and research of Geographical topics and issues. The Department adopts a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies to ensure that all the students find the content relevant and meaningful. Pupils use the latest textbooks, ICT resources and fieldwork equipment to aid their learning experience at Clifton.

The Geography Curriculum

The Geography Curriculum is holistic from 11-18, with Key Stage 3 taught and deepened to GCSE standard within Year 9. Key subjects of Physical and Human Geography are covered, these include:

Year 9:

Ecosystems, Glaciation, Development, Weather

Year 10:

Plate Tectonics, Rivers, Coasts, Population

Year 11:

Industry, Managing Resources and Pupil investigation

Year 12:

Physical Geography: Glaciation and shorter term and local change relating to atmospheric processes, hydrology and rivers.
Human Geography: Urban and UK wide changes within the last 30 years. People and the environment: population and resources

Year 13:

Physical Geography: Seasonal and long-term change and plate tectonics; People and the environment: hazards and resource conflicts. Fieldwork analysis and practical questions.
Human Geography: Global change in the last 30 years, including aspects of economic and political geography.

Year 13 also includes a synoptic module which is an evaluative exercise based on an Advance Information Booklet. This outlines a realistic scenario linked to an area of Geography covered in the AS/A2 syllabus. It gives students an opportunity to learn and hone evaluative skills frequently required in the workplace.

A strong emphasis is put on fieldwork. For Years 9-11 this is on the local area, with A level fieldwork being extended to include a week long fieldtrip to the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

Geography is centrally located in a suite of classrooms adjacent to the School’s ICT centre, and includes its own ICT suite. ICT is fully integrated into the curriculum and allows students to develop independent and interactive learning skills using the latest technology.

Activities and Links

The Department maintains strong outside links which help to broaden the students experience of Geography whilst at Clifton. There is a close association with the Bristol Branch of the Geographical Association. Sixth Form students attend a variety of excellent lectures by leading academic geographers. The Department also enters teams of younger pupils into the World Wise Quiz run by the Geographical Association.