Dalriada School
Committed to Excellence
Geography
INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT
Geography can help us to understand our world, and hopefully to make it a better place in which to live. By studying geography, students learn about important contemporary global issues such as climate change, the impact of human activity on our oceans, tourism, loss of biodiversity and flooding.
STAFF
Mrs A Graham (HoD)
Mrs A-J McCandless
Miss C Diamond
Ms P McIvor
KEY STAGE 3
What will I learn?
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You will learn about the earth’s natural features formed by volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers and the sea. You will study weather and climate and their effects on us.
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You will study where and how people live, travel and work. We will also find out about how people live in different countries, and compare their quality of life.
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You will study different ecosystems on a global scale and find out about how the plants and animals have adapted to their environment.
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You will find out about human impact on the environment, and learn how you can help protect and conserve if for your future.
Are there any KS3 field trips?
In Year 9 we conduct a microclimate study in the school grounds. In Year 10 we take a trip to the Giant’s Causeway to learn more about tectonic activity. We also visit Ballycastle to investigate how and why the town has grown over time.
GCSE GEOGRAPHY
Unit 1
Understanding our Natural World.
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Theme A River Environments
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Theme B Coastal Environments
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Theme C Our changing weather and Climate
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Theme D The Restless Earth
Unit 2
Living in Our World.
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Theme A Population and Migration
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Theme B Changing Urban Areas
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Theme C Contrasts in World Development
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Theme D Managing Our Environment
We also travel to Belfast to carry out an urban field study, focusing on issues of the inner city.
Unit 3
Fieldwork
We carry out an investigation on how the Curly Burn River, Limavady, changes from source to mouth. Students base their answers in the exam on their knowledge and experience of the fieldwork.
A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY
A Level Geography aims to give students an understanding of the physical and human processes which affect people and their environment along with an understanding of the vital issues facing society such as sustainability and economic development. The subject develops a wide range of skill areas including data analysis, literacy and statistics. These transferable skills are much sought after by employers.
AS level
AS 1: Physical Geography
Ecosystems, Rivers, Atmosphere
AS 2: Human Geography
Population, Settlement and Development
AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques
Pupils collect data at Benone sand dunes and they bring a table of data and a summary of their fieldwork into the exam. This paper involves responding to data.
A2 level
A2 1: Physical Processes and Human Interactions
Plate Tectonics and Dynamic Coastal Environments
A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
Planning for Sustainable Settlements and Tourism
A2 3: Decision Making in Human Geography
Students will be presented with data in the form of a case study. They will make and justify a geographical decision.
