Geography

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The study of geography appeals to young people who want to know about the world.

From the early explorers and map-makers in our colonial history through to the present day, geography is a subject for adventurous and curious people. Both an art and a science, it combines elements of other subjects; a good geographer is both an expert and a ‘jack-of-all-trades’, an all-rounder who does not wish to be restricted in her studies. As she observes the world around her, she investigates the characteristics of spaces and places, the built and natural environment, using a range of skills, data and approaches.

Questions that interest Geographers

  • Why is there such a large gap between the wealth of rich and poor countries?
  • Why is building a dam not always a sustainable way of solving our water needs?
  • Why does Bangladesh flood so severely, so often?
  • Why does climate change?
  • Is it possible to slow down coastal erosion?
  • How many people will become environmental refugees in the 21st century?
  • How will we slow down the global population explosion and cope with the ever-increasing movement of people?
  • How will we keep the lights on in the UK, as well as meeting our carbon targets?
  • Is nature doomed?
  • What is happening to our oceans; can they be fixed?
  • To what extent is China’s development sustainable?
  • Why does the USA’s ‘Tornado Alley’ have the highest concentration of tornadoes in the world?

The Geography Department aims to teach about place; the curriculum is designed so that pupils learn about processes and change at the local and regional level, they compare various countries, and they study themes that relate to large areas and affect multiple countries.

Reference is made to local and global ramifications when considering the impacts of change, as global decisions and trends have never before affected so many people. Outdoor learning and fieldwork is central to the discipline as well as working with maps and IT. Ultimately, the department aims to help the pupils of Francis Holland make sense of complex contemporary issues and disputes so that they can add their voice to topical discussions.

After a foundation of skills and knowledge is embedded in Years 7 – 9, girls that opt to take Geography GCSE study a variety of interesting topics, both human and physical. Lunchtime catch-up sessions are offered for any girl that misses lessons or seeks extra assistance. Older girls are encouraged to take part in mentoring programmes, to assist younger girls. By the time students begin their A Level studies, they are confident and knowledgeable geographers with a passion for the subject. Our sixth form groups are small enough to be able to provide plenty of one-to-one assistance. Girls develop their study skills and become more independent learners. A guided programme of tutoring and support is provided for Oxbridge candidates.

Year 7

  • Georgraphical Skills
  • The Geography of the British Isles
  • Ecosystems
  • Oceans

Year 8

  • Climate and Extreme Weather
  • Sustainable Cities
  • Field Trip – Tour of the City
  • Africa: A Changing Continent
  • Glaciers

Year 9

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Development
  • GCSE Course: Ecosystems and Tropical Rainforests

Pupils who opt to study geography at GCSE level are prepared for the AQA 9-1 specification. As well as studying various topics and case studies, geographical skills are improved throughout the course. Fieldwork is carried out in Devon and the skills learnt on this trip are tested in the examination.
Pupils study the following:
  • Natural Hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical storms, climate change)
  • The Living World (ecosystems, tropical rainforests, cold environments)
  • The Physical Geography of the UK (geological regions, hydrology, coasts)
  • Fieldwork skills in rural and urban settings
  • Urban Issues and challenges
  • The Changing Economic World
  • Resource Management
  • How to evaluate an issue

Girls who opt to do geography at A Level study a course that is extremely topical. The OCR specification is designed to address key ideas and debates in our world today, such as the future of food, migration, human rights and urban rebranding. Students will explore a range of issues and examine potential solutions to them. Fieldwork is carried out on a residential fieldtrip in Year 12. This year our A Level Geographers took a trip to Slapton Ley in Devon. In previous years fieldwork has taken place in Barcelona, Birmingham and Cumbria.

A Level Geographers will be given many opportunities to learn more about issues that relate to their course.

The benefits of experiencing geography beyond the classroom are varied and many. We visit both the built and physical environments, whether in London or further afield. Recent trips have travelled to Barcelona, Iceland, South Wales and Devon. The department actively encourages students to broaden their knowledge and, therefore, attend outside lectures at, for example, the Royal Geographical Society.

The Department comprises Miss C Mackenzie (Head of Department), Ms L Hammond and Mr R Allan.

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