Geography
Geography at Rugby High School
The Geography Department at Rugby High School aims to engage students in contemporary and stimulating Geography through independent, active learning. Geography is a relevant and constantly changing subject and we support students to explore, understand and develop their own justified views on a wide range of topical issues such as Climate Change and Globalisation. We hope that, through Geography, students will gain a more in depth understanding of the key issues facing our population and planet. Lessons are designed to be varied, engaging and challenging, ensuring that each student is able to reach their full potential. Students are provided with many opportunities to develop their organisational skills and are encouraged to become self-motivated and confident individuals. Students also improve their communication and presentation skills through a range of group projects. Teachers are highly supportive and students are encouraged to reflect on their work and identify strengths and areas for development. Throughout the school, students are guided to track their own progress and set themselves challenging targets based on specific feedback. The department promotes direct experience of Geography and fieldwork is becoming an increasingly integral part of the curriculum at all Key Stages.
The Geography department consists of four specialist teachers: Mrs Browning, Mr Bottle, Mrs Ellis and Mrs Gosling who are all genuinely passionate about Geography. The department is housed within the Olive Hands Building where it has two specialist classrooms.
In Year 7 and 8, students are taught a wide range of topics which aim to create an enthusiasm and love of Geography alongside the development of key Geographical knowledge and skills. Students are provided with many opportunities to develop their skills through a range of independent and group projects on topics such as investigating the physical and human characteristics of their local area.
An ‘Introduction to GCSE Geography’ curriculum is studied by Year 9 students before they choose their options. In this year, students spend each term studying small parts of the GCSE course; this has included studying Tsunamis, Tropical Cyclones, and the challenges facing Mumbai. In this year, there is an increased emphasis on exam technique and developing the skills and knowledge required at GCSE. There are also opportunities for independent investigation and group projects where students are encouraged to develop their problem solving and research skills.
Geography is a popular and successful option at GCSE where students study the Edexcel B course. We believe this is the most engaging, relevant and well-designed specification taught through contemporary case studies and field trips to Birmingham and Carding Mill Valley.
At A Level the Edexcel syllabus is also studied; there are field trips in both years. Year 12 students visit Birmingham and London to help them collect data for their NEA with Year 13 students taking part in a 3 day residential trip to Dorset to study coastal landforms and processes.