Understanding and learning to manage the challenges of the 21st century!

Geography students hold the key to the world's problems.

Michael Palin: President of the Royal Geographical Society, Actor, TV presenter

God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased.

GENESIS 1:31

Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me geography is a great adventure with a purpose.

---

learning journey geography 2023.pdf

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

Foundation stage Geography introduces the young person to the amazing natural order of our planet and will inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.  Topics studied over the 3 years should equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time. There are multiple enrichment opportunities for students to deepen their learning outside of the classroom.

---

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Intermediate Geography builds on the knowledge and understanding learnt at the Foundation key stage but at a deeper level.
Candidates are prepared for the Edexcel A specification for GCSE. 
Candidates are assessed via the following:

• Paper 1 Exam Physical Geography- Changing UK Landscapes, Rivers, Coasts, Weather and Climate and Ecosystems 37.5%
• Paper 2 Exam Human Geography - Changing Cities, Global development and Energy Resource Management 37.5%
• Paper 3 Local Fieldwork Investigation – Fieldwork and UK Challenges, Urban and Rivers Fieldwork, Synoptic themes 25%

---

Key stage 5 (year 12+13)

learning journey geography KS5.pdf

Advanced Geography develops knowledge and understanding at GCSE level. We continue to use the Edexcel exam awarding body as there are similar styles of exam questions which are developed in longer essay-style questions. The following areas of the exam specification are:

Paper 1- Physical Geography- Tectonics, Coasts, Water and Carbon

Paper 2- Human Geography- Superpowers, Globalisation, Regenerating Places and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

Paper 3- Synoptic Issues

Non-Exam Assessment-  coursework linked to one Geography topic

 

Success and Achievements

The Geography Department at Cardinal Wiseman has grown to become a large and successful department. At any one time, nearly 300 students are studying GCSE Geography and 20+ students taking A-Level Geography. The growth in the number of students of Geography at Cardinal Wiseman is a key success as all of these students will have a highly developed understanding of the patterns and processes that govern our planet. With so many environmental challenges facing our planet in the 21st century, Cardinal Wiseman is making an important contribution to the management of tomorrow’s world. Similarly, the number of students seeking to study Geography at university is also increasing rapidly. Student uptake at GCSE and A-Level suggests that they find the subject meaningful and worthwhile and this is greatly encouraging. Students enjoy their geographic learning at Cardinal Wiseman and this in itself is a key achievement. After all, what could be more important than preparing the citizens and managers of the future!
See Michael Palin’s article in The Guardian on the global importance of the work done by geographers
www.theguardian.com/education/2011/aug/18/geography-top-10-alevel-subjects