Aims:
In year 9 students continue to develop their thoughts and understanding of our complex and dynamically changing world. Particular focus is paid to geographical questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives now in the future.

Content:
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of Geography. In year 9, particular attention is paid to interdependence, environment interaction and sustainable development, space, place and cultural understanding and diversity.

Main topics include:

• Development – This unit encourages pupils to consider reasons why areas of the world are at different levels of development and the implications for individual populations. Possible solutions are explored from a range of viewpoints.
• Antarctica - The study of such a contrasting environment to our own encourages students to explore the environmental issues associated with the continent, as well as its physical characteristics.
• Farming - As a key element to the UKs economy this unit explores the key issues associated with farming in the UK and considers the future of the industry.
• National Parks - A visit to Dovedale puts this unit into context for students where a study of the physical landscape and human uses of the environmental is undertaken. Management of potential conflict within the national parks of the UK is explored.

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.