GEOGRAPHY
Geography is all around
us. Geography is the study of people
and places, the relationship between them, how they are constantly changing
and what effects these changes bring.
The Geography Department
seeks to provide a curriculum which is interesting, broad, balanced,
relevant and differentiated. We
believe geographical enquiry is central to the learning process. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions,
to have open enquiring minds and to perceive geography in the context of a
wider body of knowledge, vocabulary and skills. The study of geographical issues aims to
provide pupils with a sound basis for life-long study and the pursuit of
personal interest.
Geography teaching
offers opportunities to stimulate pupils’ interest in their
surroundings and in the variety of human and physical conditions on the
Earth’s surface. It helps
pupils develop an informed opinion about the quality of the environment and
accept some responsibility for the care of the earth.
The department is
contributing actively to the delivery of literacy, numeracy and
citizenship. In lessons a wide range
of teaching and learning styles are accommodated. Pupils are provided with the opportunity
to work with a wide range of geographical evidence, including pictures,
video, maps and ICT. Pupils have the
opportunity to express geographical ideas in a variety of forms including
oral, visual and written.
Fieldwork is essential
to ensure the first hand experience that brings all geographical studies to
life. It is believed that fieldwork
is a fun (and possibly the best) way to learn Geography. With this in mind, pupils at Robert Bruce
are provided with the opportunity to carry out various fieldwork
activities.
Year 5 pupils begin by
completing work on map skills. They
use this knowledge to complete a study on local geography – looking
at how they use geography every day – and St. Lucia.
Year 6 pupils complete
work on how to improve the environment – looking at their local
environment (school) and broadening their learning to include worldwide
events. Pupils also study the
formation of rivers, with proposed fieldwork to the river at the bottom of
the school.
Year 7 and 8 pupils have
begun a new curriculum in line with the new Key Stage 3 curriculum. Year 7 pupils study earthquakes and
volcanoes, population and migration, looking at how one affects the other.
Year 8 pupils complete a
study on weather and finish their geographical studies at Robert Bruce with
a long topic on extreme environments around the world.
Throughout all year groups
pupils complete mapwork activities and develop
their geographical skills.
The Geography Department
has been busy this year looking at different and varied ways to enhance the
learning and teaching of Geography at Robert Bruce, both in and out of the
classroom.
In the classroom,
lessons are planned to raise pupil interest in Geography through the
introducing of varied topics and activities. Outside of the classroom there have been
or will be opportunities to further learning through trips and visits.
Year 7 pupils will
embark on the annual joint Geography and Science trip to the Natural
History Museum/Natural Science Museum in London.
This visit has always been popular and pupils appear to enjoy
learning in a different environment.
Six Year 8 pupils,
identified as Gifted and Talented in Geography, participated in a Geography
Day organised jointly between Robert Bruce, Daubeney, Marston Vale and Holywell Middle
Schools, Hastingsbury and Wootton
Upper Schools. Pupils worked in groups to discuss a
local environmental issue, carry out varied fieldwork activities and
present their findings to parents and staff from the participating
schools. Although this event has yet
to be planned for the current school year, it is hoped this event will take
place possibly in the Spring Term.
Under the supervision of
the Geography Co-ordinator, pupils in the current
years 8, 7 and 6 who were members of the Eco-Team last year will again
continue with this important area of school life, and be joined by
representatives from Year 5. Having
been awarded the Bronze level last year, it is hoped that this year Robert
Bruce will achieve the Silver Level.
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