We see Geography as an essential subject to develop students understanding of the world they live in 

What is Geography?

 Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth’s surface and the human societies spread across it. They also examine how human culture interacts with the natural environment, and the way that locations and places can have an impact on people. Geography deepens our understanding of many contemporary challenges facing the world today, and helps us to understand how and why our world is changing, both globally and locally. 

Why is this subject important? 

“Growing up is about discovering the world” A Different View, Geographical Association

It prepares young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to make sense of their world and to face the challenges that will shape our societies and environments at the local, national and global scales both now and in the future. Geography underpins a lifelong ‘conversation’ about Earth as the home of humankind, and is therefore a fundamental part of a balanced education for all young people.  With our world constantly changing there is a greater need to develop this understanding of the physical and human processes through Geography. Geography allows students to develop real world learning through the use of fieldwork.  Students get the opportunity to experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning within Geography as they experience landscapes outside of their local area.

What is the purpose of the subject? 

Geography gives the students opportunities to think geographically about  our changing world.  Geography allows us to apply knowledge and understanding to a new setting.  It helps us to see the connections between places and scales, it also allows us to see that people and places are connected locally and globally. 

Geography gives pupils an understanding of the physical world and considering the context of our school in Birmingham, a landlocked city within England, it is important pupils have the opportunity to learn about the processes that created our world and what has changed them. 

Geography gives pupils an understanding of human environments around us in different communities and societies. In the world we live in today it is important that students have a cultural understanding and awareness of diversity and reduce stereotyping across our world and open discussions about our identity and people around us. 

In Geography students will explore the link between the physical world and human environments and how they are interdependent. Students will understand the concept of sustainable development and how to be a global citizen. Throughout the curriculum we want to bring the subject alive and allow children and young people to ask questions about and investigate their own world and their local area.