• Head of Department
• Overview of the Department
• Key Stage 3
• GCSE
• A Level
• Extra Curricular

Geography is a subject, which investigates important and relevant issues and is perceived as such by pupils making subject choices at the end of Key Stage 3. The Geography Department is one of the largest departments of optional subjects in the school.

The subject is attractive to pupils across the ability range so the uptake of G.C.S.E. geography is high. The aims of the subject include; fostering an appreciation of the natural world and it's resources. the need for conservation and the development of a positive attitude towards the Less Economically Developed Countries are realised through the examination of four themes.

Examination Structure: At the end of the Key Stage the subject will be examined at two different levels or tiers. Foundation Tier: this will allow pupils to achieve C-G. Higher Tier: this gives the pupil the opportunity to achieve grades A*- E. Each of the tiers will consist of two papers, which will account for 75% of the grade.

The remaining 25% may be awarded for coursework, which should be approximately 2500 words long.

Practical / Coursework: This involves a detailed analysis of the comparison between a coniferous and deciduous woodland ecosystem. We analyse the relationship between climate, soil and vegetation.

Summary of A level Curriculum: At AS/A2 Level the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in the 14-16 curriculums is further developed. Further study is built upon the course studied at G.C.S.E. level.

Students can study Geography in Year 13 and acquire a stand alone 'AS' qualification but most opt to continue through to A Level.

The aim of the specification is to create citizens of the 21st century, citizens who are informed about the important issues that face man: management of resources, globalisation, ethnic issues and the planning of settlements for the future.

Pupils are also expected to acquire an understanding of the major physical processes, which shape our landscape. Examination Structure: There are three themes, which are

studied in Year 13:

1. Themes in Physical Geography, which is divided into three main sections and requires pupils to study fluvial environments, ecosystems and the atmosphere.
2. Themes in Human Geography requiring the study of population, settlement and development.
3. Techniques in geography which involves the pupils participating in fieldwork and learning a range of graphical and statistical techniques.

In St.Colman's, Geography plays an important part in the delivery of Key Skills particularly Communication and Application of Number.

A Level Geography A Level is also divided into three sections:
1. Physical Processes and Human Interpretations: The two units selected for study are: The Nature and Vulnerability of Tropical Ecosystems and Natural Hazards and Human Activity.
2. Processes and Issues in Human Geography. The two units selected for study are The Impact of Population Change and Issues in Ethnic Diversity.
3. Skills and decision making is the final module, which is divided into two sections.

Section A is based on fieldwork and the skills associated with it.
Section B is a decision making exercise.

Practical / Coursework:
This involves a two night stay in Magilligan in Co.Derry. We study a river system, a dune ecosystem and a comparison of two settlements.

From October to January extra classes take place with those who are finding the subject difficult. These classes usually focus on G.C.S.E. pupils who are completing coursework. Teachers in the Geography Department voluntarily contribute their time after school. Classes after school also take place from February to April to help A Level students.

St.Colman's has regularly reached the final of the Geographical Association's Worldwise Quiz competition, which takes place at Queen's University Belfast. This is an opportunity for S1 and S2 pupils in the school.

An internal geography quiz is also organised for J3 pupils between the different classes. Prizes are given to those in first and second position.

Fieldwork has already been highlighted as an integral part of Geography at St.Colman's. The Geography Department is also responsible for organising an Environmental Awareness Week for J1 pupils near the end of October. This also involves a poster competition and the best ones are rewarded at Prize Night.

Guest speakers have also visited S3 and S4 pupils in the Department. The speakers are Lecturers from Queen's and The Head of Department arranges these visits through the Geographical Association.