Close
Search Bedlington Academy
Geography
  1. Home
  2. Curriculum
  3. Subjects
  4. Geography

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.
  • Population and Migration – 7.5 billion and growing! 

 
  • Weather and Climate –understanding the weather around us and the hazardous effects it can have 
  • Urban Environments – explore the development of Urban areas and how these differ in India and Kenya.
  • Rivers – Discover the processes that shape our landscapes, the reasons why we flood and how we can reduce the risk.
  • International development– why and how the World is divided.

8
  • An introduction to geology and tectonics – how our earth is formed and 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.
  • Glaciation - explore the processes of the past that have shaped today’s landscapes and the risks to the few remaining glacial environments in the world.  
  • Economic activity - delve into the history of your local area / economy. 
  • Resources – The impacts of a demanding population on water, soil, fossil fuels and renewable energy. How has this contributed to crisis in the Middle East. 
  • Coasts and ocean plastics - explore the processes that shape our island and affect the local landscapes. And work out how and why we need to stop our Oceans becoming a waste ground. 

9
  • An introduction to Wonderful Biomes – why are places so different and what causes this?
  • 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. 
  • Challenging our understanding of the World – explore the myth and reality of the World through Hans Rosling’s ‘Factfulness’.
  •  Urban issues – a journey into the challenges that living in urban areas can bring, from housing and energy crisis to crime and sustainability. 

10
  • The Changing Economic World – learn about the global variations in economic development and quality of life.

 
  • The UK landscape – exploring the natural processes that have shaped how and where humans live in the past and how humans are now affecting these very key resources we build civilization around.  
  • Challenges of Urban environments – develop your expertise and identify how and why life is so different in HIC’s and LIC’s. 
  • Geographical applications – apply your knowledge and test out your fieldwork skills at the Beach. 

11
  • The Challenge of Natural Hazards – understand how natural hazards pose a major threat to people and property. 
  • The Living World – explore the biotic and abiotic features that make up our planet.
  • Resource Management – understand the fundamental aspects of human life: food, water and energy.
  • Decision-making on topical issues (pre-release Paper 3 preparation). 

 
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