Geography

Geography is about understanding the world around us and how we interact with that world. Pupils learn about how physical and human environments interact, how their lives are connected with other people and places, and why and how the world’s landscapes and societies are changing in the early part of the 21st Century. They develop skills that are central to modern life, such as independent and team work outside the classroom, analysing and interpreting a wide variety of different data sources, as well as developing a sense of social and environmental responsibility.

A wide range of modules are studied through a pupil's time at Reed's which combine physical and human topics. Skills are developed in writing clearly and accurately about the world and its people. Facts and figures are researched using IT, maps, photos, graphs and diagrams along with collecting and interpreting data gained through fieldwork. Technology is used whenever possible to help develop these skills and enhance the learning experience; for example, 3D virtual reality glasses help pupils to visualise the places being studied during lessons.

Field trips reinforce learning across all year groups and the Department aims to take each year group on at least one field trip per academic year. These are supplemented by bi-annual overseas trips to places of particular geographical interest such as Sicily, Iceland, Croatia and Morocco.

Geography is a core subject for all pupils in the First to Third Forms (Years 7 to 9). As a diverse subject, pupils are given a broad curriculum covering both physical and human topics, looking at processes and issues at local, regional, national and global level.

The GCSE course studied in the Fourth and Fifth Form (Years 10 and 11) retains a core of traditional geographical content, but also offers opportunities for pupils to study contemporary themes and events which enable them to relate their learning to the world they live in, and to the events they experience. Fieldwork remains an essential element to the course; this includes trips to towns such as Southampton and Littlehampton.

The A Level course explores human and physical geographical themes in a natural progression from GCSE. Essentially a broad study of human’s interaction with the natural world, it explores relevant issues to modern day society, providing students with the opportunity to develop fieldwork skills in both the Lower and Upper Sixth.

Geography is a multidisciplinary subject suiting pupils who have a general interest in global and environmental issues. It develops a range of important skills and is a valuable academic A Level choice as it complements a range of other subjects. There are many doors open to those who go on to read Geography at university, including land-based industries such as surveying and environmental consultancy; finance and business management; law; leisure and tourism, and research.