Geography : National Curriculum

Geography is a compulsory subject in the national curriculum until KS3 or about 14 years old. Most secondary schools offer the subject at 14+ years for qualifications such as GCSE/GCE.

WIKIPEDIA defines GEOGRAPHY as the field of science concerned with the study of lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A disciple that seeks to understand earth and its human and natural complexities OR bridge between natural science and social science. Geography is highly interdisciplinary.

As a discipline geography can be split into 3 main branches : These are further defined by The UNESCO encyclopaedia descri ption of physical, human, technical geography.

HUMAN geography with a focus on built environment, studying people (social sciences) and their communities, cultures, economies and environmental interactions by studying relations with and across space and place.

PHYSICAL geography (EARTH SCIENCE) with a focus on the natural environment, processes and patterns of atmosphere, biosphere. INTEGRATED geography with a focus on the interaction between the environment and humans. TECHNICAL GEOGRAPHY a recent development concerned with the study and development of the tools and techniques used by geographers, such as remote sensing (collecting data information about the earths features from measurements made at a distance), cartography, globes and Geography Information Systems or science alternatively GIS (storing, processing, analysing). QUANTATIVE methods became increasingly influential in revitalising this field during the quantitative revolution of the 1950/60`s.

HOW DOES THIS INTEGRATE INTO THE UK NATIONAL CURRICULUM : According to HM Department of Education : PURPOSE OF STUDY : inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

KEY CONCEPTS : 1. LOCATION PLACE KNOWLEDGE, 2. HUMAN PHYSICAL PROCESSES (integration between), 3. TECHNICAL PROCEDURES for field work, eg grid references, the use of maps and written communications are key skills.

INTEGRATE IMTO KEYSTAGES 1 + 2 (ages 5 to 11 years).

To equip pupils with the knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, natural and human environment. The ability to know, apply and understand the specific curriculum.

Integration between physical and human processes. Formation and use of landscape and environment.

Collect, analyse and communicate range of data, interpret a range of sources of geographical information.

Use of digital technologies including a compass and ordnance survey maps.

KS 3 (ages 11 to 14 years).

Consolidate and extend their knowledge of the worlds major countries and their physical and human features. Developing competencies in using geographical knowledge, approaches and concepts such as Geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) which have helped to accelerate real - world understanding of business opportunities, environmental impact, and operational risk. Examples include ride - sharing companies, logistical, farming, survey and infrastructure.