30 Shiphay Lane, Torquay TQ2 7DY
E: admin@tggsacademy.org
T: 01803 613215
Y7-11 Absence Line: 01803 653 750
30 Shiphay Lane, Torquay TQ2 7DY
E: admin@tggsacademy.org T: 01803 613215
Y7-11 Absence Line: 01803 653 750
Current Teaching Staff:
Mrs N Gardner (Head of Department)
Mr A Magee, Mrs T Grigg, Mrs F Herbert
Curriculum Intent:
We want students to gain a sense of place – making sense of their surroundings, gaining a deeper appreciation of the physical and human inter-relationships that form our diverse planet. Most of all we want them to be global citizens and know the role they play in shaping the world around them.
Subject Overview
In Geography there is an emphasis on learning concepts and skills through a sense of place and raising environmental awareness so that students gain a greater understanding of the world they live in.
In Year 7, students study marine geography including a fieldtrip to the National Marine Aquarium to look at Coral Reef ecosystems. In Year 8 students have a decision-making fieldtrip to Slapton Sands based on Challenging Coastlines. Three are also opportunities to attend the 'Worldwise Quiz', competing against local schools and we also subscribe to national competitions through the Royal Geographical Society and Financial Times. Later there are opportunities to take part in trips abroad to places such as Sicily and Iceland.
Fieldwork is an integral to the GCSE course. Students are required to complete two day trips (currently Bristol and Dawlish Warren) as part of their GCSE and they are examined on these trips. We have a tradition of hand-on practical enrichment opportunities. We believe whole-heartedly that our students should experience different landscapes, people, places and issues to bring classroom teaching to life! We hold enrichment trips to Iceland and Sicily, with priority given to students studying geography GCSE. We also take part in a very successful local geographical association with other local schools, running lectures and quizzes. We regularly invite in specialist presenters from AQA and textbook authors to deliver exam technique sessions to our students.
SMSC
Geography contributes to our students’ SMSC, PSHE and Ethics development through:
A deeper understanding of climate change; opposing viewpoints on causes and managements. Reflections on
British Values
The 5 British values are embedded across our geography curriculum. Through varied teaching we:
Reading
Our department is very well resourced with a wide range of subject specific textbooks which, along with other printed resources are regularly used for comprehension and reading tasks. In addition, we have compiled reading lists for each key stage including both fiction and non-fiction books with subject links, many of these books are available to borrow from the library or the department.
Oracy
Students are encouraged to participate in whole class and smaller group discussion and debates as well as regularly presenting their ideas in small groups to develop their oracy and confidence.
Careers
Through the study of world trade, globalisation, development, changing places and economic change students will gain an understanding of types of employment and the economic challenges and opportunities they present.
In addition, students are exposed to a wide range of geography-oriented careers as we study different places for example Arctic scientists, demographers and aid workers. We have displays within the department promoting careers as well as providing information at open evenings and careers events.
Character skills
Geography is a subject covering a wide range of topics, places and skills. As such, we have created a diverse and varied curriculum where students have many opportunities and are encouraged to develop the school values and character skills.
Teamwork, Aiming High, Problem Solving, Speaking, Listening, Creativity and Staying Positive are developed in many ways, for example: