Geography at the Cardinal Vaughan strives to foster in pupils a sense of awe in the physical and human world and the interconnections between them.

We believe that by encouraging and equipping all pupils to explore and make sense of an evermore complex and dynamic world, they then have the power to choose their own place within it and, in their own unique way, to change it for the better.

Pupils broaden their awareness of geographical locations, the natural and human formation of places and landscapes, the interactions between society and environment, and how communities, economies and environments are inextricably woven. This is achieved through considering the local and global dimensions of a variety of issues.

Unique its ability to fuse science and the humanities, geography provides pupils with the technical understanding as well as the more socio-economic awareness of the causes and effects of pressing global issues. Geographical enquiry is central to this and encourages a scientific approach to questioning, investigation and analysis.

Fieldwork and the use of ICT is an intrinsic part of geography at the Cardinal Vaughan. Fieldwork opportunities at KS3-KS5 enable pupils to apply the skills they are taught in thinking spatially and in using maps, images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to collect, present and analyse information. In so doing pupils develop a broad range of transferable skills in computing, maths and literacy.

The Geography Department boasts excellent public examination results with a significant proportion of pupils deciding to pursue the subject to degree level and beyond. Geography, a traditionally respected academic discipline, is highly regarded by admissions tutors in Oxbridge and in all leading universities. The subject is also highly regarded by a diverse range of employers who welcome the breadth of perspective, problem-solving and other wide skills which the subject imparts.

Key Stage Three

Geography is taught in ability sets from First Form to Third Form (Years 7-9). The programme of study is based on the requirements of the National Curriculum and a range of up-to-date resources are used. Pupils are taught fundamental geographical skills, techniques and vocabulary. These skills are applied studying a range of topics spanning the physical, human and environmental branches of the discipline.

Fieldwork opportunities exist throughout KS3 and have included visits to a farm where pupils conduct soil and river measurements and understand food production as an economic system. Pupils have also visited the Earth galleries of the Natural History Museum as well as events organised in tandem with the Royal Geographical Society.

Key Stage Four

Geography at GCSE follows the Edexcel A syllabus. The course covers a wide range of issues and aims to build and extend upon KS3. The course is divided into four modular units each worth 25% of the final GCSE. Different modules will be assessed throughout Form Four and Five (Years 10-11) through terminal examinations in January and June of each year.

There is no coursework.

Fieldtrip Opportunities: These have included a coastal survey around Sussex, exploring the regeneration of London Docklands, the Olympic redevelopment of Stratford and a visit to a mixed farm in Berkshire.

• Unit 1: Geographical Skills (cartographic skills, investigative skills, data handling and presentation using ICT, GIS and report writing). Assessment: 1 hour exam.
  
• Unit 2: Physical Systems (exploring a range of physical and environmental topics such as tectonics and glaciated landforms. There is also a study of global water supply and the surrounding conflict and management issues). Assessment: 1 hour examination.
  
• Unit 3: Human World (exploring a range of human geography topics such as migration and population). Assessment: 1 hour examination.
  
• Unit 4: Geographical Investigation (controlled assessment unit where pupils create a report based on data collected during a fieldtrip). Assessment: One day fieldtrip and 15-20 classroom hours of supervised work.
  

Coursework has been replaced by the Unit 4 controlled assessment within the school. This assessment is based on pupils writing up a report under supervised conditions using information collected during a fieldtrip visit. In previous years, the fieldtrip has been based upon the theme of urban regeneration and has included data collection in London Docklands and the London Olympic redevelopment in Stratford.

Geography in the Sixth Form

Geography at AS and A2 level follows the Edexcel GCE syllabus. Geography at AS level is designed to introduce the geographical context of many of the key issues facing societies around the world. It also aims to provide the investigative skills needed to independently research and understand these issues.

This course includes a residential fieldtrip. Previous destinations have included the Pembrokeshire and Devonshire coastlines. There are also visits, careers advice and guest speakers organised in conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society.

Geography AS level is divided into two units (together representing 50% of a full A level):

• Unit 1: Global Challenge (a range of social and environmental issues are considered at different scales. This unit will, in many ways, provide the in-depth understanding and context for many of the environmental and geopolitical stories found in the media; from the controversies surrounding the causes and effects of climate change, to the issues of resource loss and conflict around the world). Assessment: 1 hour 30 minute examination. 60% of final AS level (30% of full A level).
  
• Unit 2: Geographical Investigation (fieldwork skills and research methods are taught through the medium of a range of human and physical geographical themes. These diverse topics include understanding extreme weather events, the concept of re-branding place and the management of coastal resources). Assessment: 1 hour examination based on pre-released theme. 40% of final AS level (20% of full A level).

Geography A2 level is divided into two units (together representing 50% of a full A level). The A2 level builds and extends upon the AS level and introduces many of the topics and methods studied at undergraduate level. This element of the course is comprised of two units:

• Unit 3: Contested Planet (this unit considers crucial geographical issues surrounding topics ranging from national and global energy security, water resource management, global biodiversity, geopolitical changes and superpower geographies, development issues and the technological fixes to environmental changes). Assessment: 2 hour 30 minute examination. 60% of final A2 level (30% of full A level).
• Unit 4: Geographical Research (a series of key geographical themes are explored and researched based upon a pre-released topic and reading materials. The aim is to introduce undergraduate level research and to an enable a more independent approach to learning. This unit culminates in a timed essay on the subject researched). Assessment: Timed Essay. 40% final A2 level (20% of full A level).

Useful Websites

A full overview of the KS3 National Curriculum can be viewed from the QCA website.
A detailed overview of the GCSE syllabus (GCSE Geography A) as well as the AS and A2 syllabi, are available on the Edexcel website. This website also contains advice, past papers and miscellaneous resources.

The websites below are a sample of the most commonly used in the Geography Department. They can be drawn upon to assist with homework, revision or to simply read around topics.

• www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
• www.s-cool.co.uk
  
• www.internetgeography.net
• www.revisioncentre.co.uk
• www.revisionworld.co.uk
• www.gatm.org.uk (compilation of audio-visual slides)
• www.rgs.org (website of the Royal Geographical Society)
• www.geography.org.uk (website of the Geographical Association)