GEOGRAPHY

Geography is compulsory at Years 7-9. Pupils study a course based on the National Curriculum guidelines which includes units on map skills, meteorology, settlements, hydrology, population, plate tectonics, development, hazards and political geography. A range of case studies from around the world is incorporated into these units.

This course provides a balance between physical and human geography and there is an emphasis on skills. All girls are provided with an atlas upon their arrival as well as an Ordnance Survey map of the local area, and girls are taught how to use them in the map skills unit. Information and Communications Technology and games are embedded in the curriculum to ensure that the girls find the work stimulating and enjoyable, and that a firm foundation is provided for those who continue with the subject to GCSE.

About 50% of girls at More House opt to continue with Geography to GCSE. The AQA A specification is followed, featuring key topics relating to population, plate tectonics, ecosystems, industry, resources, tourism and rivers as well as geographical skills. An important part of the course is the completion of a coursework project based on the analysis of primary data collected during fieldwork as well as secondary data from previous years and other streams. We carry out fluvial studies on three rivers around Epping Forest in Essex, investigating how the width, depth, velocity, discharge, gradient and pebble characteristics change in a river from its source to its mouth.

Geography is also taught as an A-level subject; topics include hydrology, ecosystems, meteorology, the earth's crust and mantle, population, and rural and urban settlements.