Geography

Geography is essentially about understanding the world we live in. It helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. At Thirsk students are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. The geography curriculum enables students to develop knowledge and skills that are transferrable to other curriculum areas. Geography is an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge, and skills. At Thirsk our intent, when teaching geography, is to inspire in our students a curiosity and fascination about the world and people within it; to promote their interest and understanding of diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

Our curriculum is shaped by our school ethos which aims to enable all students, regardless of background, ability, or additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be.

We teach the National Curriculum, GCSE and A-level, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all students. It is important that children develop the skills of a Geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject. The local area is an integral part of our curriculum and fieldwork is provided to give first-hand experiences, which enhance our students understanding of the world beyond their locality.

• By the time students leave Thirsk school they will:
• Have an excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
• Have an excellent understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
• Have an extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Be fluent in complex, geographical enquiry, and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
• Have the ability to reach clear conclusions and develop a reasoned argument to explain findings.
• Have significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity as shown in interpretations and representations of the subject matter.
• Have highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
• Have a passion for and commitment to the subject, and a real sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there.

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