Year 9

Year 9 study Geography through the news. They learn about current affairs and link these to Geographical ideas and theories. Much of the work is group based, with research undertaken and presentations at the end. These presentations can be in any form the group wishes (role plays, powerpoint, moviemaker, posters etc).

All of this work is linked to the GCSE syllabus, giving students a bit of a head start should they opt to study Geography to GCSE level. By working in this way, not only do students learn about the world and what is shaping it, they learn how to research and become independent learners. There is an emphasis on collaboration and team work. It is hoped that the study skills that are practiced are of use as students move up the school, in whatever subjects they choose to study.

What topics are studied?

Topic 1 – Population and settlement (September -October half-term)
KQ1: How and why is global population changing?
KQ2: Ageing Population (what is it, cause, which places, effects, management)
KQ3: Migration (cause, positive and negative impacts)
KQ4: Overpopulation (what is it, cause, which places, effects, management)
KQ5:  Land use in cities (what is land used for and how is it changing?)

Students have a free choice as to the nature of their articles/research so long as it is based on one of the above topics (not KQ1)

Topic 2 – Economic Development (October half-term – Christmas)
KQ1: Development (what is it, how is it measured, what is quality of life, what is the Human Development Index)?
KQ2: How have countries progressed?
KQ3: Aid (what is it, how can it help, who gives aid, who receives aid, problems with aid)
KQ4: Employment (how is employment changing across the world)
KQ5: Globalisation (what is it, what are the causes, what are the good and bad points)
KQ6: Multinational Companies (what are they, name an example, where is it based, what does it make, what problems and benefits do they bring?)
KQ7: Environmental damage (How can economic activity damage the environment and how can this be managed?)

Students have a free choice as to the nature of their articles/research so long as it is based on one of the above topics (not KQ1)

Topic 3 – Rivers and Coasts (Christmas – February half term)
KQ1: River landforms (how they are made, how people use them, threats and management)
KQ2: Coastal landforms (how they are made, how people use them, threats and management)
KQ3: Floods (cause, effects, management)

Students have a free choice as to the nature of their articles/research so long as it is based on one of the above topics (not KQ1)

Topic 4 – Natural Hazards (February half-term - Easter)
KQ1: Drought
KQ2: Earthquakes
KQ3: Volcanoes
KQ4: Cyclone/Hurricane
(the above 4 hazards are identified in the GCSE syllabus and will be studied in depth. Students should know cause, effect and how to manage the hazard)

Students have a free choice as to the nature of their articles/research so long as it is based on one of the above topics (not KQ1)


Geographical Investigation

In the Summer term the Year 9's undertake a "Geographical Investigation". This is a practice run at a piece of GCSE coursework (or Controlled Assessment). This work involves choosing a pre-set title (a choice of 6 is available) and researching the issue at hand before writing an 800 word answer.

You will be given a booklet with some tips and hints. Inside the booklet are some web links to get you started, but you need to conduct your own research and use the research diary to keep a record of all the different websites, nespapers, books, magazines and DVDs that you use to gather information. Make sure your research helps you answer the key questions that are listed in the booklet. You are aiming to write 800 words.

The titles for you to choose from are:
Ecosystems

1. How is global climate change affecting coral reefs?
OR
2. How can we sustainably develop an area of tropical rainforest?

Sport
3. London 2012: What venues have been chosen and why?
OR
4. What are the impacts of skiing and snowboarding on a chosen mountainous area?

Tourism
5. How can UK seaside resorts attract tourists?
OR
6. What is the effect of increased visitor numbers on the Himalayas?

Click here to see a powerpoint about how to approach the Investigation