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The study of Geography supports the School’s overall aims of encouraging
pupils to develop tolerance and respect for others, as well as furthering
their own development and preparing them for life and work in a future in
which global issues are becoming increasingly relevant. The aims of the
Department are to :
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develop knowledge and understanding of a diversity of places and
environments ranging from local to global.
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develop a sense of place and a sensitive awareness of the environment
and an empathy with people from a wide variety of societies.
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to understand some of the physical processes which shape and affect the
environment.
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learn skills of analysis, comparison, mapwork, fieldwork and IT
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Geography at Rishworth
Geography is studied by all students in Years 7 to 9 following National
Curriculum guidelines which gives a basic grounding in the subject.
Students are introduced to the local area including use of OS maps, weather
studies, settlement and transport patterns before moving on to look at Physical
Geography in the shape of river and coastal studies. Other topics covered during
this time include recreation, the environment and a variety of world regions.
At GCSE it is an optional subject which always proves popular. Pupils are not
put into sets but individual students are entered at the level which is most
appropriate for them. A variety of studies are undertaken, some human
(settlement, agriculture and managing resources) and some physical (rocks and
their influence on the landscape, as well as coastal and river environments or
tectonic processes). Each student is also required to produce a project on the
characteristics of the River Ryburn which is worth 25% of their final mark.
At AS Level the core components of the course include rivers, floods and
management along with population change.
Additional optional units include cold environments and energy issues.
Finally as part of the AS Level there is a Geographical Skills paper.
In the second year of the course students have the physical geography choices of
plate tectonics and associated hazards, weather and climate or the challenges
facing ecosystems. The human
geography options include world cities, development and globalisation, and
contemporary conflicts and challenges.
The final unit gives students the choice of a geographical fieldwork
investigation paper or a geographical issue evaluation.
Outside the Classroom
Fieldwork is a vital part of the curriculum, enabling students to build on
what they have learned in the classroom. The build-up of fieldwork experience
gives students a chance to develop their skills so that by the time they
undertake coursework for GCSE, and later for A Level, they are familiar with the
techniques used to collect, present and analyse raw data. Recent destinations
have included Castleton in the Peak District, Malham, Flamborough Head, Halifax
and Leeds. Sixth Form students complete a three-day residential fieldtrip
to the Cranedale Centre in North Yorkshire. |
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