Geography
Department Staff
​
Mrs L.Concannon (Head of Department)
Mrs A. McNeill
Mrs M. Green
Subject Information
​
Geography is a dynamic and relevant subject. In the Geography Department we strive to actively engage all pupils to develop them as effective and independent learners. We also encourage our students to act as critical thinkers with enquiring minds. The department also aims to develop pupils as responsible global citizens and recognise how they can contribute to a future that is sustainable.
Geography helps us to view the world in which we live, locally and globally, in a holistic way, by exploring the interdependencies of natural, social and economic systems. In the Geography Department we aim to engage the pupils with issues which are relevant to them so that pupils can see the importance of geographical knowledge to their lives now and in the future.
Our Geography department motto is ‘Geography is your passport to the world’
​
Curriculum Information
​
Key Stage 3
​
In St.Patrick’s College KS3 geographers explore a range of topics which are relevant and engaging, these cover physical, human and environmental geography. Students have opportunities to develop their geographical skills through local, national and global contexts and develop whole curriculum skills and capabilities. Students explore the part they can play in shaping and protecting the environment around them. They develop a sense of place by studying relevant issues and they investigate how societies differ. In St.Patrick’s College students have two 50 minute lessons per week studying Geography.
Year 8 – students study World of Geography, Mapskills, Weather, River Flooding and Environments.
Year 9 – students study Settlements, Dynamic Earth, Economic Activities, carry out a Geographical Enquiry and study Development.
Year 10 – students study Population, Focus for the Future, Dynamic Landscape (Rivers and Coasts) and Sense of Place.
​
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
​
The Geography Department at St.Patrick’s College follows the CCEA GCSE specification. The course offers opportunities to build on the geographical knowledge, skills and capabilities developed in key Stage 3 Geography. The specification is topical and relevant, it includes physical and human geography and students also undertake fieldwork. This specification is unitised, so students partake 60% of their overall GCSE at the end of year 11.
​
Unit 1 has four themes covering physical geography processes and systems. Students evaluate river and coastal management strategies and the processes shaping our weather. They explore extreme weather and the forces that create earthquakes and volcanic activity.
​
Unit 2 has four themes covering human geography. Students explore the challenges facing refugees, inner city issues, strategies for sustainable development, and the environmental impact of increasing consumption.
​
In Unit 3, students apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in Unit 1 or Unit 2 to a fieldwork investigation.
Unit 1: Understanding Our Natural World
Theme A: River Environments (25%)
Theme B: Coastal Environments (25%)
Theme C: Our Changing Weather and Climate (25%)
Theme D: The Restless Earth (25%)
External written examination
​
1hr 30mins
Worth 40%
Available at the end of Year 11
Unit 2: Living in Our World
Theme A: Population and Migration (25%)
Theme B: Changing Urban Areas (25%)
Theme C: Contrasts in World Development (25%)
Theme D: Managing Our Environment (25%)
External written examination
​
1hr 30mins
Worth 40%
Available at the end of Year 12
Unit 3: Fieldwork
External written examination
​
1hr
Worth 20%
Available at the end of Year 11
Extra-Curricular
​
Eco-schools
​
The geography department has registered to take part in Eco-schools an international programme for environmental education for sustainability. Eco-Schools develop pupils’ skills, raise environmental awareness, improve our school environment and create financial savings as well as a whole host of other benefits. We are at the beginning of our journey in the Seven-Step framework in order to achieve the international Eco-Schools Green Flag award.
​
Careers
​
Studying Geography opens up a wide range of careers. Statistics show, compared to other subjects, Geography students are among the most employable. Employers like Geography qualifications because they demonstrate a wide range of skills, qualifying you for a great variety of jobs.
Studying Geography can lead you to a wide range of jobs and career paths such as:
​
-
Urban Planning
-
Geologist
-
Pilot
-
Architect
-
Agricultural Engineer
-
Building Surveyor
-
Market researcher
-
Zoologist
-
Teacher
-
Journalism
-
Landscape architecture
-
Surveying
-
Aerial photography
-
Cartography
-
GIS applications
-
Environmental lawyer
-
Weather forecaster
Geography Twitter Link >