Term / Half-term

Main topics / units

Key knowledge & skills

Autumn 1

Tectonics,

Students will gain a foundational understanding of Earth's structure and plate tectonics, learning the characteristics of the four layers of the Earth, the differences between oceanic and continental crust, and the processes and outcomes at the various plate boundaries. They will also investigate the formation and impacts of natural hazards such as tsunamis and volcanoes, studying specific case studies like the Boxing Day and Japan tsunamis and the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, while also analyzing and evaluating methods used to predict, protect against, and prepare for earthquakes.

Autumn 2

Development,

Students will learn the core concepts of development, defining the term and understanding the associated keywords: social, political, and economic. They will explore a range of development indicators used to measure a country's status, including defining key metrics like GDP and GNI, and use data to identify the global richest and poorest regions. Furthermore, they will analyze the historical significance and modern accuracy of the Brandt Line in understanding the developed/developing country divide, examine the quality of life in countries like India, and conduct a focused case study on the Dharavi slums to evaluate schemes for improving living standards. Finally, they will investigate the Middle East's main trade goods and the factors that influence its trade.

Spring 1

Globalisation,

Students will explore the concept of globalization, understanding how the world is becoming more interconnected and analyzing the resulting positive and negative social, economic, and environmental effects. They will investigate the global components and supply chains behind everyday items, such as the clothes they wear, tracing the life of a t-shirt and analyzing the production cost fairness of items like trainers. The course focuses on Transnational Corporations (TNCs), using Nike as a key example to explain their formation, the impact of their operations, and the issues surrounding sweatshops, while also examining the importance of the manufacturing industry in China.

Spring 2

Global Africa,

Students will explore the physical and human geography of the African continent, challenging misperceptions by understanding its diverse physical geography, including its relief, varied climates, and the formation of the Rift Valley. They will investigate key environmental and social challenges, studying the shrinking of Lake Chad and the difficulties faced by the Sahel region and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), alongside the specific impacts of drought and climate change on the Horn of Africa. Furthermore, students will define development to analyze the varying standards of living and suggest improvement strategies across the continent, while also evaluating the impacts of tourism on cultural groups such as the Maasai tribe.

Summer 1

Middle East,

Students will learn to locate and map the countries of the Middle East, analyzing the region's climate patterns and their influence on population distribution and other geographical factors. They will investigate the physical characteristics of its desert biome, exploring how both wildlife and indigenous people have adapted to survive and capture water. The course will define trade and interdependence by examining the links between the Middle East and the UK, focusing specifically on the global importance and impact of oil production on the region's development. Finally, students will explore the complex issue of conflict in the Middle East (e.g., in Syria) and analyze the concept of sustainability by evaluating case studies like the growth of Dubai and the hosting of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Summer 2

Future Foods

Students will explore the critical issue of global food security, learning to explain present and future challenges, including the causes and solutions for food waste. They will investigate the environmental impact of food choices, examining concepts like food miles and different farming types, and conduct a detailed analysis of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, covering their formation, effects, and associated ethical issues. Furthermore, students will study the changes in global fish stocks, analyzing the impacts of overfishing and suggesting sustainable solutions. Finally, they will evaluate future food sources like entomophagy (eating insects) and assess the effectiveness of development initiatives such as Goat Aid.

Type of assessment

Approx. frequency / when

What it is used for

Classwork / quizzes

Short recall quizzes in most lessons

To check understanding of key facts, locations and vocabulary, and correct misconceptions

Homework tasks

Once per week

To practise applying geographical knowledge and build good study habits

End-of-topic assessments

About once per half-term

To assess understanding of each topic and inform progress data

End-of-year assessment

Summer term

To give an overall picture of progress across the year