Geography is an important subject that helps pupils understand the world around them and their place within it. It explores the relationship between people and the environment, helping pupils make sense of the challenges and changes shaping our planet. The 21st century is influenced by major geographical issues, from climate change and resource management to changing populations and the spread of diseases. Studying Geography helps pupils develop the knowledge and skills to understand these issues and consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
At Kibworth our Geography curriculum has four main aims:
  • To develop the knowledge and skills pupils need to understand and navigate the world around them.
  • To encourage them to develop a greater understanding of the world and how to protect it.
  • To inspire pupils to continue studying Geography at GCSE and A Level and to build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed at GCSE.
  • To deliver the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3.
These aims are supported by a five-year Geography curriculum, delivered by enthusiastic staff who are passionate about their subject.

Year 7

In Year 7, pupils develop their geographical knowledge and learn key skills through a range of human and physical Geography topics. They begin by exploring map skills and learning how to read OS Maps. This then move onto settlement and population and investigating how populations change and how urbanisation affects the places where people live. They also study weather and climate, including the effects of climate change on weather patterns. Finally, pupils learn how rivers shape the landscape, how flooding occurs and how flood risks can be managed.

Year 8
In Year 8, pupils build on their existing knowledge and skills while exploring more complex geographical issues.
They investigate resource management in the UK, examining why the country is not self sufficient in food, water and energy, and considering possible solutions. Pupils then study ecosystems, focusing on tropical rainforests and hot deserts, their characteristics and the challenges they face.
The study of coastal environments helps pupils understand how coastlines change over time, the causes and effects of coastal erosion, and the different ways coastlines can be managed. Pupils also explore tourism, looking at how it has grown, its positive and negative impacts, and how it may develop in the future.

Year 9
In Year 9, pupils explore more complex geographical concepts and processes. They study plate tectonics and natural hazards, developing their understanding of how and why events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur and affect people.
Pupils also investigate economic development and the differences between countries around the world. Their study of glaciation and cold environments explores how these landscapes are formed, why they are important and how climate change is affecting them.

At Key Stage 4, pupils build on the knowledge and skills developed during Key Stage 3 and explore geographical issues in greater depth. The schools follows the AQA GCSE Geography specification, which helps pupils understand the physical and human processes that shape our world and the challenges facing people and the environment.

The course encourages pupils to think critically about geographical issues, consider different viewpoints and evaluate possible solutions. Pupils also develop important skills in map reading, data analysis, decision making and problem solving, preparing them for further study and life beyond school. This is also supported by the opportunity to take part in a residential trip to Iceland.

Physical Geography

Pupils study the natural processes that shape the planet and influence people’s lives. Topics include natural hazards, the living world and physical landscapes in the UK. Within the UK landscapes topic, pupils study rivers and coasts, exploring how landforms are created, why river flooding occurs and how flood risks can be managed. Pupils also investigate the challenges facing tropical rainforests and cold environments, developing their understanding of ecosystems and the importance of sustainable management.

Human Geography

Pupils explore how people live, work and interact with the world around them. Topics include urban issues and challenges looking at cities like Leicester as well as Lagos, the changing economic world and the challenges of resource management. These topics help pupils understand issues such as urban growth, inequality, economic development and the demand for essential resources.

Geographical Applications and Skills

Pupils develop their ability to apply geographical knowledge to real world situations. They learn to interpret maps, graphs, photographs and other sources of information, as well as analyse data and evaluate different solutions to geographical problems. They also study geographical issues in preparation for the decision making examination, where they apply their knowledge to an unfamiliar situation. Pupils take part in two fieldwork investigations. In Leicester, they investigate urban regeneration, exploring how places change and how regeneration can affect the environment, economy and local communities. At Bradgate Park, pupils investigate river processes and characteristics, collecting and analysing data to develop their understanding of how rivers shape the landscape.

These experiences help pupils develop practical skills, collect their own geographical evidence and draw conclusions from their findings. Pupils are also prepared to answer questions about their fieldwork in the GCSE examinations.

KMA Geography Learning Journey Overview

Miss A Mathers