Topics
We look to offer students a wide variety of both traditional and contemporary geographical topics. We approach units in a number of different ways from looking at places in depth such as the Brazil unit where we aim to look at the complex processes that happen in one country. We also use key case studies to frame units such as the year 9 topic on tectonics where we look to compare the 2011 Japan Tsunami with the boxing Day Tsunami. Fieldwork is also a key component of the KS3 curriculum and the department. In KS3 we offer trips to Braking, Walton, Stratford and The Royal Geographical Society
In each year at Key Stage 3 you will study 3 topics.
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Settlement: A look at the characteristics of settlements across the world. Students will visit Barking to carry out fieldwork to carry out an in-depth investigation on the regeneration of Barking |
Rivers and Flooding: We use the rivers of Africa to look at the process and features of rivers. Students will investigate the causes of flooding in Mozambique and the explore the features of the river Nile |
Tectonics: An in depth study on the causes, effects and management of tectonics hazards. We focus on comparing the 2011 Japan Tsunami with the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami |
Brazil: With the fifth biggest population in the world Brazil is one of the fast growing economies in the world. Students will explore the complex physical and human interactions that occur in the fascinating country. |
Population: Global population is quickly becoming a huge issue in the world. Students will be given the opportunity to investigate the current situation in population and the methods used to control it. |
Global Development: This unit gives students an insight into economic geography. We look to discover what makes a ‘developing country’ and evaluate the indicators we use to measure it |
Coasts: This unit offers the students the chance to carry out fieldwork again where we evaluate the effectiveness of sea defences in coastal areas such as Walton on the Naze. |
Ecosystems: This topic focuses on how humans are having a severe impact on a number of the world’s major ecosystems. We will focus on the impact that humans have on rainforests. |
Weather and Climate Change: Climate change is one of the greatest challenges the human race will face. We will investigate the arguments for and against climate change and the potential impacts of this phenomena |
Homework
At KS3 it is the intention that students will be set two pieces of homework within a half-term period. It is usual that at least one of these pieces of homework is designed to help prepare students for an upcoming formal assessment. Work will be checked and if the homework contributes to an assessment, written feedback will be provided. All Homework will be found on our blog
www.jrcsgeography.blogspot.co.uk
Right to Write
Each year students will complete an extended essay on the following topics:
Year 7 – Brazil – How do can we deal with the Gangs in Sao Paulo?
Year 8 – Population – Is the world over populated?
Year 9 – Tectonics – Why did more people die in the Boxing Day Tsunami?
Challenge
At KS3 it is the intention that students will be set two pieces of homework within a half-term period. It is usual that at least one of these pieces of homework is designed to help prepare students for an upcoming formal assessment. Work will be checked and if the homework contributes to an assessment, written feedback will be provided.