Geography

Geography is the study of space and place - recognising the great differences in cultures, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and exploring the links between them. The subject of geography occupies a distinctive place in the world of learning for students at all key stages, highlighting the complex relationship between people, places and the environment.

Geography at Bedlington Academy is an immersive experience, exposing students to a wide range of fascinating topics from the fragility of the earth's landscape to the growing trends of urbanisation around the world. The geography department’s goal is to start you on a journey of discovery of the world around us, equipping students with a wide range of transferrable skills alongside the academic qualifications you will gain.

Studying geography at Bedlington Academy helps students to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed, and more responsible as citizens and students. From the classroom, students will go on a voyage of discovery through continents, countries and cities gaining a greater awareness of the captivating world around us.

Geography at Bedlington academy is a constantly evolving subject which always takes into account current issues and events in the world at any given time. In addition to a real world relevant and rich curriculum, delivered by engaging staff we always ensure students have the opportunity to develop their Geography outside of the classroom.

We run a monthly Geography competition which is open to all of our students, we had some really creative entries last year and look forward to seeing what this year brings.

We run an annual residential field trip to Patterdale in the lake district each February which is open to our year 9 and year 12 students.

We ensure there are local fieldwork opportunities as part of the lesson curriculum in key stage 3.

Key stage 4 complete their fieldwork on a day a Blyth Beach and a day at Ouseburn.

Key stage 5 have a number of fieldwork opportunities over their two years of study.

There are also opportunities to partake in international fieldwork to Iceland.

Curriculum information

Year	Autumn	Spring	Summer
7	Introduction to Fantastic Places – students travel the World in this topic immersing themselves in the wonders of the World Weather and Climate – students begin to understand the weather around us and the hazardous effects it can have.	Population and Migration – 7.5billion and growing! Urban Environments – a city break like no other	Ecosystems – the fantastic biomes around the World International Development – why and how the World is divided
8	An introduction to geology and tectonics – how our earth is formed at the spectacular and dangerous impacts the movements inside can have Climate change - discover the causes and effects of one of the most currently debated topics across the globe	Water and Ice - explore the fluvial processes that interact with the human World. Economic Activity - delve into the history of your local area/economy	Coasts – Explore the processes that shape our Island and affect the local landscapes Resources and Ocean plastics - 9 billion by 2050. A drain on a watery landscape that is becoming a waste ground. How will the World’s resources cope?
9	An introduction to Wonderful Biomes - take a journey deep into the tropical rainforest Extreme Environments - investigate the extreme nature of the hot and cold World	Dangers of the Geological World – an exploration into the world of natural hazards Dangers in the Atmosphere - study the tropical storms affecting parts of the World.	LIC Urban World - explore the opportunities and challenges that city life presents HIC Urban World - explore the opportunities and challenges that city life presents
10	The Changing Economic World – learn about the global variations in economic development and quality of life.	The Living World – explore the biotic and abiotic features that make up our planet	Geographical Applications – hone your craft as a geographer with a review of the skills gained in geography and applying your knowledge to real-life events
11	Resource Management – understand the fundamental aspects of human life: food, water and energy	Physical Landscapes in the UK – review the diverse nature of the UK. Challenges of the Human Environment – develop your expertise as a sustainability specialist

Geography is an intriguing and ever-expanding field that provides many research and observational skills as well as knowledge that I know I’ll use for the rest of my life.

Year 12 student

Geography has given me so many skills which I can use in all my lessons, it helps me to have a realistic view of the natural world.

Year 11 student