Geography
Geography at Smithdon High School
How was this landscape formed and how is it changing?
Why were these buildings constructed in this city?
Why are shops and businesses opening and closing?
In a landscape or a city, we are surrounded by Geography. The nation watched Blue Planet on BBC, which raised lots of issues and questions for the rest of the planet. Smithdon High School Geography department encourages students to ask these questions and more; to think about the future of the planet by being interested in Geography – not just because they study the subject.
The staff delivering Geography are:-
Mr S. Chapman |
Head of Department and SLT Member | |
Ms R. Bazeley-Smith | Mr M. Knott |
Mr A. Duncan |
SENDCo, Senior DSL, and Teacher of Geography |
Assistant Head and Teacher of Geography |
Teacher of Geography |
West Norfolk is a brilliant place to study Geography with the coastline set within a changing rural landscape and the urban landscape of Kings Lynn 15 miles away. The area is under threat from climate change and plastic pollution.
Geography is all around us, a knowledge and understanding of the processes shaping the world is essential for all to ensure a sustainable future for planet Earth.
The Geography curriculum
At Smithdon, students learn about key aspects of physical, human and environmental Geography at a variety of levels. The curriculum focuses on key geographical themes, including rivers, coasts, population and the economy, as well as developing a knowledge of places including the UK, Asia and Africa. Students develop and use a range of Geographical skills to include the use of maps, ICT, graphs and fieldwork.
Throughout their curriculum studies, students consider British Values, for example the role of democratically elected governments in determining the provision of coastal and river defences. Students are supported to develop moral and social values, providing them the skills and knowledge to make sensible, informed decisions about how their actions affect the future of the planet.
Key Stage 3 Geography
Topic 1 |
Topic 2 |
Topic 3 | Topic 4 | |
Year 7 |
Map Skills |
Geography of the UK |
Weather |
Asia |
Year 8 |
Coast and Rivers |
Population Change |
Tectonics |
Ecosystems and the Economy |
Year 9 |
Glaciation |
Superpowers |
Africa |
Fieldwork |
For a more in-depth overview of our KS3 curriculum, please click here.
GCSE Geography
The department follows the EDEXCEL Geography A specification which has three written exams:
- Unit 1: Physical Environment (37.5% of final exam)
1hr 30 mins exam
- Unit 2: Human Environment (37.5% of final exam)
1hr 30 mins exam
- Unit 3: Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges (25% of final exam)
1hr 30 mins exam.
For more detail on the topics and content included in each examined unit, please click here.
In summary:
Year 10 topics
Topic 1 |
Topic 2 |
Topic 3 |
Topic 4 |
Topic 5 |
Changing landscapes of the UK |
Coastal processes and landscapes |
River processes and landscapes |
Weather hazards and climate change |
Ecosystems, biodiversity and management |
Year 11 topics
Topic 1 |
Topic 2 |
Topic 3 |
Topic 4 |
Changing cities |
Global development |
Resource management |
UK Challenges |
Fieldwork
GCSE students are required to complete two days of fieldwork which are examined within Unit 3. These are:
- Investigating coastal landforms – fieldwork based on the North Norfolk Coast, carried out within the Autumn Term of Year 10.
- Investigating urban environments – fieldwork based in the city of Norwich, carried out within the Summer Term of Year 10.