Aims:
In year 7 we aim to stimulate an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. We build upon pupils’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global. We aim to inspire pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and responsibilities to other people, the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.

Content:
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of Geography. In year 7 we focus upon the concepts of place, space and scale. We achieve this through the process of geographical enquiry, fieldwork investigations, graphicacy and visual literacy and through developing communication.

Main topics include:

• My place - An exploration of their environment from the personal to the national scale. A fieldtrip to Lichfield is undertaken as part of this unit.
• Settlement - A focus upon the development and changing nature of settlements over time.
• 5 Amazing Places – An exploration of geographical issues in contrasting locations. Pupils explore their personal 5 favourite places developing their understanding of place, space scale interdependence and cultural understanding and diversity.
• Weather - A study of the UK weather, reasons for the physical processes and how the weather impacts upon people.
• Rivers - Physical processes and natural landscapes associated with rivers are explored through the context of a river study at Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire.

Assessment:
Pupils are assessed through the use of end of unit tests and extended investigation tasks.  Homework tasks are set regularly and an end of year exam assesses overall progress.

Extra Curricular:
Pupils are encouraged to participate in the Eco-group and the fair-trade activities that frequently run in school.

Useful Websites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/11_16/site/geography.shtml - BBC Geography education site.
http://mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/ - Some fun games to help improve map skills.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.co.uk/kids/games/geographygames/ - A range of fun Geography games.