Geography - KS3

• Map Skills and the UK – Embark on an exciting introduction to Geography, where you’ll build essential map skills and explore the world around you. Learn how to read maps with confidence, locate continents and oceans, and uncover the differences between human and physical features. Discover the diverse regions of the UK, practise using both paper and digital maps, and take your first steps into the world of fieldwork investigation.

• Scandinavia – Journey across the North Sea to explore the fascinating northern reaches of Europe. In this unit, students sharpen their graph skills and develop their ability to evaluate geographical information. Along the way, they’ll investigate a mix of human and physical topics — from northern biomes, climate patterns, and the effects of climate change on communities, to the dramatic landscapes of volcanoes and glaciers, and the innovative use of geothermal power and other sustainable resources.

• Asia – To round off the year, students will embark on a journey across the world’s largest and most diverse continent. This unit dives deep into the causes and impacts behind key geographical themes, brought to life through compelling case studies from India, Mumbai, North and South Korea, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Students will explore topics such as population growth and demographics, the power of plate tectonics and natural hazards, and the forces of development and globalisation shaping the modern world. The unit concludes by linking back to Scandinavia, revealing how climate change connects distant regions in surprising ways.

• North America- This North America unit dives into the fascinating connections between people and the environment, exploring how human activity and natural forces shape the continent. Students will investigate patterns of development and the influence of globalisation, comparing regions to understand why some areas thrive while others face challenges. The unit also examines North America’s dramatic natural hazards, from the rumble of earthquakes and volcanoes along the Ring of Fire to the fury of hurricanes and tornadoes across the continent. By linking human and physical geography, learners will see how landscapes influence settlements, economies, and daily life, and how societies adapt to the powerful forces of nature. Through case studies, real-world examples, and interactive analysis, this unit brings the geography of North America to life.

• South America- In this South America unit, students will first explore the continent’s diverse climates before venturing into the lush, vibrant world of the Amazon rainforest. They will discover the rich biodiversity of the forest, learn about the lives of its people, and meet its incredible array of wildlife, all while examining the pressures humans place on this unique ecosystem. The unit also deepens understanding of tectonic hazards and introduces the concept of urbanisation, as students investigate the growth and challenges of South America’s sprawling megacities. Through this journey, learners will gain a clear picture of how natural environments and human activity are intricately connected across the continent.

• Africa- The final Year 8 unit takes students on an in-depth journey through Africa, a continent full of diversity and complexity. The focus is on human geography, exploring key themes such as development, population growth, corruption, and the challenges that hinder progress. Students will also examine the contrasting landscapes of the Sahara Desert and Africa’s tropical rainforests, discovering how people adapt to such extreme environments and how daily life, culture, and economies are shaped by the land. This unit encourages learners to think critically about the opportunities and obstacles facing the continent, bringing Africa’s human and physical geography vividly to life.

In Year 9, our focus shifts to in-depth, country-based case studies, mirroring the approach students will encounter at Key Stage 4 and 5. Learners will explore three countries from around the world, examining each through a wide range of geographical themes and skills. This approach allows students to develop a deeper understanding of global patterns, human and physical interactions, and the real-world challenges different countries face. By comparing diverse nations, students gain the analytical tools and knowledge needed to tackle more advanced geographical study with confidence.

• China- In this unit on China, students explore why the country is considered an emerging power and how industrialisation has shaped its rise. The study covers a wide range of topics, from government policies such as censorship and the one-child policy to China’s growing influence as a global superpower. Learners will critically examine both the benefits and challenges of China’s rapid economic growth, considering its social, environmental, and political impacts. Through this, students gain a well-rounded understanding of how a country transforms and asserts itself on the world stage.

• Australia- In this unit on Australia, students explore the country’s unique biodiversity, climates, and biomes, uncovering how its landscapes and ecosystems are shaped by both natural forces and human activity. The study includes cyclones and other low-pressure weather systems, the impacts of climate change, and the social dynamics of Australia’s population, including inequalities. Learners will also investigate Australia’s iconic landscapes and landmarks, examining processes such as erosion and approaches to coastal management. This unit provides a holistic view of how physical geography, human activity, and environmental challenges intersect in one of the world’s most distinctive countries.

• Brazil- In this unit on Brazil, students explore its location, diverse culture, and emergence as a rising global power. The study examines how the country balances growth with sustainability, looking at both top-down and bottom-up approaches to development. Learners investigate the use—and abuse—of the Amazon rainforest, considering issues such as deforestation and the role of ecotourism in promoting conservation. Through this, students gain a clear understanding of Brazil’s environmental, social, and economic challenges, as well as its global significance.