The School has a popular, highly regarded, active and successful
Geography Department, accommodated in a well-equipped suite of four
specialist rooms, with weather satellite station, interactive
whiteboard, audio-visual and computer facilities.
After an initial KS3-based induction course in Years 7 and 8,
most pupils progress to the investigative enquiry-based OCR
Syllabus B course at GCSE. This focuses upon the key themes of
Rivers and Coasts, Population and Settlement, Natural Hazards and
Economic Development and diverse teaching methods embrace
fieldwork, the use of GIS and decision making about issues of
sustainability. There is a significantly high entry at AS/A2 level
(AQA Specification) with students following optional courses on
Coastal Environments and Health Issues at AS level. We hope to
offer students an ability to choose A2 options which reflect their
Physical/Human preference. Many pursue their interest in the
subject at university (including Oxford and Cambridge) and
beyond.
There is an extensive fieldwork programme encompassing all year
groups, which is designed to stimulate an awareness and curiosity
about a variety of environments. This includes investigating the
changing village of Belmont, the microclimate of the school
environment, the distinctive coastal and hydrological landscape of
North Yorkshire, and an AS level residential fieldcourse on the
Dorset coastline based in Bournemouth. Ultimately, we hope to offer
a joint Sixth Form course to Iceland, led by departmental staff -
all of whom are actively involved in extra-curricular activites.
The department contributes both junior and senior Geograhical
Societies to the school's wide-ranging enrichment programme.
Head of Department
A C R Compton, BA
Members of the Department
P D Jackson, BSc
J A Rutter, BSc
H Tunstall, MSc, BSc
R D Wardle, BSc