The aim of the Geography Department at Alderbrook School is to expose all students to the local, national and global issues facing society and our planet today. Through the study of both human and physical geography, students develop an understanding of how people interact with the natural environment and how these interactions can increase or reduce risk, shape landscapes, affect the oceans and atmosphere, and influence the lives of communities around the world.
We recognise that many of the environmental and social challenges facing our world are significant and complex. However, Geography at Alderbrook is not simply about understanding issues; it is about investigating solutions. Throughout all key stages, students learn how individuals, communities, governments and organisations are managing these challenges and are encouraged to think critically, creatively and independently about how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Our curriculum is deliberately multidisciplinary, drawing upon mathematical skills, scientific enquiry, literacy and the arts to deepen understanding and develop well-rounded learners. Students are taught to analyse data, evaluate evidence, communicate arguments and investigate geographical issues from multiple perspectives.
We aim for our students to leave Alderbrook equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through a broad and ambitious curriculum, they develop an awareness of careers and industries that are actively working to mitigate and manage contemporary local, national and global challenges.
Fieldwork is a cornerstone of our curriculum across all key stages. By undertaking geographical investigations in real-world environments, students develop the ability to collect, analyse and interpret data, draw evidence-based conclusions and communicate findings effectively. These investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills are highly valued by employers and provide students with a strong foundation for further study, employment and active citizenship.
Ultimately, we want our students to leave Alderbrook as informed, responsible and engaged global citizens who can think geographically, understand the interconnected nature of our world and play a positive role in shaping its future.
Our KS3 Geography curriculum is designed to help students understand the world around them, beginning with their own local area and gradually expanding to national and global issues. Through engaging topics and real-world examples, students develop the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to become informed global citizens.
In Year 7, students explore their personal, local and national geography, discovering how their own experiences connect to wider geographical processes. They study their local area and the city of Birmingham, considering the opportunities and challenges it faces, alongside investigations into the importance of rivers and coastlines to life in the UK. Throughout the year, students build essential geographical skills, including map and atlas work, interpreting photographs and sketches, and analysing data, providing a strong foundation for future learning.
In Years 8 and 9, students broaden their understanding by studying global issues such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical storms, climate change and global development. They investigate how levels of development influence the impacts of natural hazards and consider why people experience unequal outcomes depending on where they live. Students are encouraged to think critically about the challenges facing our planet, evaluate different responses and develop their own informed opinions about possible solutions.
Fieldwork is an important part of the curriculum. Students undertake a sustainability study in year 9, a microclimate study in year 8 and an ecosystems study in year 7 of Alderbrook School. This intends to develop their investigative, analytical and presentation skills while applying classroom learning to real-life environments. These experiences prepare students for further geographical study and help them appreciate the interconnected nature of people, places and environments across the world.
At KS4, students follow the AQA GCSE Geography course, building on the knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3 while exploring a wider range of contemporary global issues.
Through the study of Human Geography, students investigate how resources such as food, water and energy are distributed across the world and the challenges created by inequality. They explore the growth of cities and the opportunities and pressures that urbanisation brings, before examining the changing economic world and the importance of sustainable development in closing the development gap.
In Physical Geography, students develop their understanding of natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical storms, flooding and climate change. They study that rivers and coasts shape the UK’s landscapes and investigate some of the world’s most complex ecosystems such as rainforests and cold places, considering how people interact with and manage these environments.
Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think critically about the challenges facing our planet and evaluate the ways governments, organisations and communities seek to manage them. We aim to inspire students to become informed global citizens who recognise that they can play a positive role in creating a more sustainable future and to introduce them to the wide range of careers linked to geography.
Fieldwork is a key part of the GCSE course. During Year 10, students take part in both a physical and a human geography investigation, collecting and analysing their own primary data. The physical fieldwork takes us to Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire to explore how a river changes downstream, while the human fieldwork in Birmingham investigates the impact of the city’s regeneration through the ‘Big City Plan’. These experiences develop valuable enquiry, data analysis and evaluation skills that support GCSE success and provide a strong foundation for further study and future employment.
At KS5, students deepen their understanding of the geographical issues introduced at Key Stages 3 and 4, exploring the complex processes and interactions that shape our world. Through the A Level Geography course, students develop advanced analytical, investigative and critical thinking skills that prepare them for higher education, employment and active participation in society.
Our curriculum encourages students to move beyond simply understanding geographical issues to evaluating evidence, questioning existing approaches and considering innovative solutions to the challenges facing local, national and global communities. We aspire to inspire students to continue their geographical studies at university and pursue careers where they can contribute to addressing environmental, social and economic challenges.
In Human Geography, students investigate how places change over time and the factors that influence identity, representation and lived experiences. They explore the development of contemporary urban environments, examining the opportunities and challenges they present, and critically evaluate strategies used to manage urban change. Through the study of global systems and global governance, students gain an understanding of the interconnected nature of our world and the role that individuals, organisations and governments play in responding to global issues.
In Physical Geography, students explore the Earth as a series of interconnected systems through the study of the water and carbon cycles and coastal landscapes. They examine how these systems interact with human activity and investigate the causes and impacts of natural hazards. Students develop an understanding of how scientific knowledge can inform mitigation and adaptation strategies, enabling them to evaluate current approaches and consider sustainable solutions for the future.
Fieldwork – Following a residential fieldwork visit to Nettlecombe in Somerset, students complete an independent enquiry using the data they collect independently. This develops valuable skills in research, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. The ability to work independently and draw evidence-based conclusions is highly valued by both universities and employers, preparing students for further study and future careers.
Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Travel and Tourism, and Sociology.
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Geography, Minimum grade 6 in Maths and English Language.
Geography is highly respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It’s often said that there is no such thing as a Geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do. Potential career paths include:
To investigate further the potential of Geography skills and careers , please visit: https://www.rgs.org/schools/teaching-resources/going-places-with-geography-video/
For further information; please contact Kerry Mills