Geography
Key Stage 3
Subject Introduction
Welcome to Geography. In this subject students will look at the world from different perspectives, to understand how it works. This year students will gain fundamental geographical skills and concepts that will be built on over the next 3 years. Year 7 Geography starts off investigating our local area, by developing maps skills and then applying this to understanding Blackburn’s place within the UK. Students will then dive deeper into our past, looking at how rocks and glaciation has shaped areas. They will then go on a tour of the 7 continents, learning about key places that have attracted visitors for generations, such as the Great Barrier reef and Everest. Having gained all this knowledge and understanding, students focus will then come back to Blackburn and look at the weather and climate here in comparison. Finally, students reflect on their impact on the planet and what they can do to be more sustainable citizens.
As Michael Palin says, “Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me, geography is a great adventure with a purpose.”
Be prepared to develop your understand of the world around you and how humans and nature have shaped it.
Modules
What skills do I need as a Geographer? Develop an understanding of what geography is and the core map skills needed to explore areas.
What is Blackburn's place in the world?
Gain an understanding of how settlements developed and therefore why Blackburn exists and how it has changed over time. Students are taken into Blackburn during this unit to investigate the regeneration work that has taken place, which helps them see how places are constantly changing to meet the demands of the population.
How do landscapes change over time?
Students will study the rocks beneath our feet and gain an understanding of how that has shaped some of the landscapes we see today. They then look at glaciation, as an example of how the landscape has gone on changing since.
What are some of the worlds fantastic places?
Students will be taken virtually to places such as the Great Barrier reef and Everest to explore some of the world's most fascinating places.
What is the weather and Climate like in the UK?
Students gain an understanding why weather happens and how we record it. At the end of this unit, students complete a microclimate investigation of the school.
How do people harm the Planet?
To build knowledge of issues that affect everywhere in the world such as plastics in the ocean and wilderness areas being under threat.
Assessment
Each unit has an assessment which tests students' key vocabulary, skills and written ability.
Students are shown different revision strategies in Y7, so they are embedding good practice and know what works for them before starting Y10. Students are given revision sheets before assessments to help them focus their revision.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and appropriately to build on learning from lessons or is used to prepare you for the next lesson.
Enrichment activities
At the beginning of every unit, books, podcasts and websites that are relevant are shared with the students. This is to encourage students independent learning. We also encourage the students to watch geographical documentaries or series such as race across the world, to help them gain further understanding of the world around them. We also share up to date topic competitions with the students, which we have had great success with in the past. During class time, students complete two pieces of fieldwork, one on the regeneration of Blackburn and a microclimate study of the school.
Resources
The department use the Oxford KS3 Geography: Heading towards AQA GCSE and Geog.1, geog.2 and geog.3textbooks in class. Other resources are uploaded onto our online learning platform Firefly.
Subject Introduction
In Year 8 students will start to understand more complex human, physical and environmental interactions. Firstly, we look at the worlds cities and how places are urbanising at different rates and why. We then look at our interaction with different natural hazards and how we are learning to live with them. The students then look at the different jobs that people have and how they have changed over time. On top off all of this, there are the issues that are going on with our ever-changing climate and the impacts this is now having on places around the world. This link's nicely with the middle east and how the world cup in 2034 if already effecting Saudi Arabia's development. And the issues they face culturally and due to the climate. We then finish the year with a trip to the coast, so students can apply their learning to a real-life example.
Modules
How is our world urbanising?
Students investigate cities around the world and how they are developing at different rates. The end of this unit looks at how places are trying to become more sustainable.
How do natural hazards impact our planet?
Students gain an understand the processes of earthquakes and volcanoes Learning about how important planning, protection and preparation for natural hazards is and relating this knowledge to case studies.
How do people earn a living?
Students will study the how the types of jobs people do has changed over time as we live in a more connected world.
What is going on with the world's climate?
Students will study how the earth’s climate is changing and the impacts it is having around the world.
Should Saudi Arabia host the world cup in 2034?
Students gain an understanding of the physical geography of the middle east. They look at how hosting a world class event such as the world cup can impact the county's economy and migration.
Why does our coastline need protecting? Students learn about the features and defences that we find at the coast and then visit Rossall beach to see the process and concepts in practice.
Assessment
Each unit has an assessment which tests students' key vocabulary, skills and written ability.
Students are given revision sheets before assessments to help them focus their revision. They continue to be supported with revision strategies.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and appropriately to build on learning from lessons or is used to prepare you for the next lesson.
Enrichment activities
At the beginning of every unit, books, podcasts and websites that are relevant are shared with the students. This is to encourage students independent learning. We also encourage the students to watch geographical documentaries or series such as race across the world, to help them gain further understanding of the world around them. We also share up to date topic competitions with the students, which we have had great success with in the past. At the end of Y8, the students are taken to Rossall beach to investigate the sea defences and if they are protecting the coast effectively.
Resources
The department use the Oxford KS3 Geography: Heading towards AQA GCSE and Geog.1, geog.2 and geog.3textbooks in class. Other resources are uploaded onto our online learning platform Firefly.
Subject Introduction
This year builds on the geographical foundation that students have developed in Y7 and Y8 and investigates some of the big world concepts. Student’s start off investigating biomes around the world, before moving on to tourism and where people might want to go on holiday. They then look at rivers, world development and weather hazards. The final unit gives students a change to reflect on the impact that we are having on the planet and how they can be better citizens. All of these units link back to sustainability.
Modules
How do biomes impact people?
Understanding the key concepts around biomes, with a more in-depth study of tropical rainforests and cold environments.
How is tourism changing around the world?
Student's will look at how tourism has grown around the world, leading to mass tourism. This unit will finish looking at ecotourism and how tourism is becoming more sustainable.
How do rivers change as they go down stream?
Student's gain an understanding of the basic process and features of a river and applying this to a case study.
How is the world developing?
The understanding of development and why it is different around the world
How do weather hazards impact people?
Students gain an understanding of how tropical storms impact places and how the impacts can be reduced.
How am I a global citizen?
This final unit looks at carbon footprints, food, fashion and waste. It is all about what we can do to reduce out impact on the world and be more sustainable.
Assessment
Each unit has an assessment which tests students' key vocabulary, skills and written ability.
Students are given revision sheets before assessments to help them focus their revision. They continue to be supported with revision strategies.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and appropriately to build on learning from lessons or is used to prepare you for the next lesson.
Enrichment activities
At the beginning of every unit, books, podcasts and websites that are relevant are shared with the students. This is to encourage students independent learning. We also encourage the students to watch geographical documentaries or series such as race across the world, to help them gain further understanding of the world around them. We also share up to date topic competitions with the students, which we have had great success with in the past.
Resources
The department use the Oxford KS3 Geography: Heading towards AQA GCSE and Geog.1, geog.2 and geog.3textbooks in class. Other resources are uploaded onto our online learning platform Firefly.
Key Stage 4
Subject Introduction
Are you ready to start learning about your world around you in more detail? Y10 is when we start the GCSE AQA specification and build on the foundations that you have learnt at Key Stage 3. As Sir David Attenborough says “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it”. It therefore shouldn’t surprise you that each unit that we study at GCSE links back to sustainability.
The world around you is constantly changing. Most days there will be a news story that relates to geography somehow. It is important that you understand the background to these stories, for example, why people like living in Slums in Rio de Janeiro, but also how we could also help them develop further. Or what the impacts are for the biodiversity of the rainforest, if we don’t stop deforestation.
At the end of the year, you will go on 2 half days of fieldwork. This enables you to embed your rivers work at Sunnyhurst woods and your understanding of regeneration in Blackburn.
Modules
Urban Issues and Challenges
Understanding human processes and systems and how they change spatially and temporally. Students study a range of places, at a variety of scales in various stages of development such as: Manchester’s history of migration, deindustrialisation and regeneration; Rio de Janeiro's favelas, challenges and opportunities and Freiburg’s innovative sustainable features for a greener future.
The Living World
Students will learn about the distinctive characteristics of different biomes including Tropical Rainforests and Hot Desert environments and their associated climate, biodiversity and risks from economic development using examples of Malaysia and the Thar Desert.
Rivers
Students will discover how the UK has a range of diverse landscapes with a focus on Rivers. Students study processes, landforms and management strategies. This topic includes case study examples of The River Tees and Banbury.
Fieldwork: Rivers and Regeneration
Students will undertake two geographical enquires. The two enquiries have to be carried out in contrasting environments and show an understanding of both physical and human geography. At least one of the enquiries has to show the students understanding about the interaction between physical and human geography. We have chosen to study rivers and their management at Sunnyhurst and regeneration in Blackburn. Each of these fieldwork trips embeds what the students have learnt in the classroom, helping to bring to life their understanding and concepts learnt.
Assessment
Urban Issues and Challenges
Recall on urbanisation, Rio de Janeiro and sustainability
GCSE Past Paper Questions
The Living World
Recall on ecosystems, rainforests and hot deserts.
GCSE Past Paper Questions
UK Physical Landscapes
Recall on Rivers
GCSE Past Paper Questions
Fieldwork: Rivers and Regeneration
GCSE Past Paper Questions
Unseen fieldwork questions
Exam questions will be completed in class and as homework throughout the course, to help students develop the skills to unpick command words and structure their answers.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and appropriately to build on learning from lessons or is used to prepare students for the next lesson.
Enrichment activities
We encourage students to take part in competitions, be aware of up today news events and to look out for documentaries linked to their studies. For example, Countryfile, BBC Coast and Kevin McCloud for examples of Slums in Rio
Resources
The department use the GCSE 9-1 Geography AQA Textbook and Revision Guide in class. Other resources are uploaded onto our online learning platform Firefly.
Subject Introduction
This year we will carry on with the GCSE AQA specification and as Michael Palin says, ‘ Geography is a subject which holds the key to the future’. Students will therefore carry on investigating the world around them though economic development, hazards and resources. These units really are important for understanding the world around us and how we are citizens can make a difference positively.
Modules
The changing economic world
Understanding human processes, systems and outcomes and how this change both spatially and temporally. Students study a variety of places in various stages of development, such as Nigeria and the UK in depth. They also investigate why development is different around the world and how we can close this gap in a variety of ways.
The challenge of Natural Hazards
Student will learn about the variety of natural hazards, how they are caused and the responses. Firstly, they will investigate tectonic hazards and explore Haiti and Christchurch earthquakes in detail. They will then move onto weather hazards where they will learn about Typhoon Haiyan and the Beast from the East. Finally, they will then investigate climate change, by looking at the evidence we have, the causes and how we can manage the impacts.
Coasts
Students will discover how the UK has a range of diverse landscapes with a focus on Coasts. Students study processes, landforms and management strategies. This topic includes case study examples of Swanage and Lyme Regis.
The challenge of resource management
Students will learn about food, water and energy here as the basic resources that we need to live and develop. Firstly, we will look at the provisions for water, energy and food in the UK. Students will then study the energy management option, which explores the global supply and demand and the impacts of this. They then look at how gas is formed and the advantages and disadvantages, before going onto study how we can be more sustainable through the example of Malmo in Sweden and the Chambantera micro – hydro scheme in Peru.
Pre-release booklet
12 weeks before the GCSE exams, the exam board will send us a pre-release booklet that we will unpick with the students. It can be on any core topic that the student’s study. Then can annotate their booklet and it is extremely important that they are familiar with it before going into the exam, as they will be given a new one on the day for reference only.
Assessment
The changing economic world
Recall on development
GCSE Past Paper Questions
The challenge of Natural Hazards
Recall on tectonic hazards
GCSE Past Paper Questions
UK Physical Landscapes
Recall on Coasts
GCSE Past Paper Questions
The challenge of resource management
GCSE Past Paper Questions
Homework
Homework is set regularly and appropriately to build on learning from lessons or is used to prepare students for the next lesson.
Enrichment activities
We encourage students to take part in competitions, be aware of up today news events and to look out for documentaries linked to their studies. For example, Countryfile, Simon Reve in Cornwall and James Mae’s renewable energy. We also encourage them to read journals to extend their subject knowledge, such as Geo-active.
Resources
The department use the GCSE 9-1 Geography AQA Textbook and Revision Guide in class . Other resources are uploaded onto our online learning platform Firefly.
Sixth Form
A-Level Geography at St Wilfrid’s (AQA 7037)
Subject Intent
Geography is the subject that bridges the physical and human worlds. At A-Level, students explore key global challenges—climate change, resource use, migration, urban growth—and develop an understanding of how our planet works and how people interact with it. Our aim is to inspire students to ask big questions, think critically, use data effectively, and develop an informed voice on issues affecting the world today and tomorrow.
Course Overview
AQA Geography allows flexibility, depth and a strong foundation for further study. Topics include:
Physical Geography
- Water and Carbon Cycles – core systems in the Earth’s functioning
- Coastal Systems and Landscapes or Glacial Systems
- Hazards – earthquakes, volcanoes, storms and how societies prepare and respond
Human Geography
- Global Systems and Global Governance – how interconnected the world has become
- Changing Places – exploring how people experience places
- Population and the Environment or Resource Security
Independent Investigation (NEA – 20%)
You’ll conduct a geographical fieldwork investigation on a topic of your choice, such as urban change, coastal erosion, or water management. This 3,000–4,000 word project includes fieldwork, analysis, and evaluation—and allows you to develop research and inquiry skills highly valued by universities and employers.
Assessment
All assessments include extended writing, analysis of resources, and critical thinking.
Paper 1
Physical geography
2h 30m
120 Marks
40%
Paper 2
Human geography
2h 30m
120 Marks
40%
NEA
Independent investigation
60 Marks
20%
Homework & Independent Study
You’ll be expected to:
- Revise and annotate key case studies
- Practise exam-style questions
- Explore academic articles, podcasts or documentaries
- Use data sets, maps and statistics
- Prepare fieldwork plans and reflective analysis for your NEA
Enrichment Opportunities
- Local and residential fieldwork trips (urban, rivers, coasts etc.)
- University and employer links for geography and sustainability careers
- Workshops on GIS, data analysis, and report writing
- Geography-themed competitions and student-led seminars
Where Can Geography Take You?
Geography is a facilitating subject, respected for its academic rigour and broad skills base. It supports pathways into environmental science, urban planning, international development, climatology, conservation, business, politics, disaster management, and more. Geography students are analytical, flexible and globally minded—perfect for the 21st century.