Geography
Geography is a popular option at Sedbergh, probably influenced not only by our facilities and teaching team but also our location amidst the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Department has five members of staff and is housed in the Main School teaching
block. There are four main teaching rooms, a well-stocked Geography Library
and a storage annex. Each classroom has video and projection facilities with
links to the School intranet and the Department is adjacent to the main ICT
suite and the Geology Room.
Curriculum
Geography is part of the core curriculum in Year 9. The first term's course
introduces pupils to the Sedbergh area with investigations in to local geology
and landforms, the population pattern and service provision in the local area,
hill farming, tourism and the functions of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Studies in the second term are based on regional themes, including the European
Union, development issues in less economically developed countries and contrasts
in the economies of the Far East. The final term introduces skills required
at GCSE and associated topics.
GCSE
Geography is a popular option subject at GCSE and candidates develop a wide
range of skills, including those of collecting and processing data from different
sources, interpreting maps, photographs and satellite images and the use of
ICT. The local area offers a diverse range of coursework opportunities based
on fieldwork. Subject topics embrace aspects of the physical environment, economic
geography, population and settlement studies.
AS
Geography is both a science and social science with close links to several
other subjects at AS level. Syllabus topics include:
- The Physical Environment: lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrological systems
and ecosystems.
- The Human Environment: population, urban and rural settlements.
- Geographical Investigation: techniques, to plan, design and undertake geographical
research projects.
A-level
Geography in Year 13 is concerned with the study of selected subject areas
in depth and the development of essay skills. Topics include glacial and periglacial
environments, tourism and recreation and the management of rural and urban environments.
In addition, students complete an individual investigation study which can be
based in the vicinity of Sedbergh or their home area.
Outside the classroom
Fieldwork is an integral part of geographical studies at all levels in the
School. Sedbergh's situation gives easy access to a rich variety of contrasting
environments including the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, the Cumbrian
coast, the villages of the Lune Valley and the towns and cities along the axis
of the M6. In addition, several Sixth Form students each year take advantage
of School expeditions to overseas destinations, most recently Patagonia and
Iceland.