“Geography is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world's current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.”

-Michael Palin, CBE

The world around us is going through a period of challenges and opportunities that will affect every one of us, whether it be Global Warming, Migration, Energy Resources or Natural Disasters. It is through Geography we hope to help students understand not only why the world is the way it is but also how their actions can influence them.

This is achieved through studying a range of topics throughout Key Stage 3 and through Key Stages 4 and 5 if it is chosen to be taken for GCSE and A Level in Year 9 and Year 12 respectively.

At Radnor House we believe in the importance of applying the Geography we study to the outside world and fieldwork plays an important role in this aspect. During your time studying Geography at Radnor House Sevenoaks you will take part in fieldwork to Hastings, Rochester Castle, the River Darent, Pevensey Bay, Brick Lane and Greenwich. There will be also chances for non-year/voluntary group trips to more exotic locales with a recent trip to Iceland for instance.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 we study subjects as diverse as Globalisation to Coasts, from Settlement to Geographies of Conflict. Throughout their studies they will also have a range of skills, such as map reading, presentation and numerical skills. There will be a range of learning and assessment methods throughout the year with an end of year test at the end of the summer term.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4 (students will make option choices during the latter half of Year 9) students will study the AQA specification for Geography GCSE. The topics that will be covered include Tectonic Hazards, Weather Hazards, The Living World, Physical Landscapes in the UK, Urban Issues and Challenges, The Changing Economic World, The Challenge of Resource Management and Fieldwork investigation techniques. The assessment consists of three examination papers in Year 11 which are based on the physical environment (35%), the human environment (35%), and geographical application (30%). There will be a range of formative assessments throughout their time in Key Stage 4 to help identify progress and areas for development.

By choosing to study Geography GCSE they will be enabling them to deepen their knowledge into this fascinating subject but also with a strong record of success and an ability to promote skill development in other subjects.

Key Stage 5

In Key Stage 5 (students will make option choices in the latter half of Year 11) students will study the AQA Specification for Geography A Level. The syllabus covers an exciting range of Human and Physical topics allowing students to cover a broad range of knowledge. The units studied are Water and Carbon Cycles, Coastal Systems and Landscapes, Changing Places, Global Governance, Contemporary Environments and Hazards. The assessment consists of two examinations and coursework. One examination is based on human geography (40%) and the other on physical geography (40%). Coursework accounts for 20% of the marks. There will be a range of formative assessments throughout their time in Key Stage 5 to help identify progress and areas for development.

By choosing to study Geography A level they will be selecting a subject which ignites both interest and develops knowledge and skills. Geography is considered one of the top facilitating subjects for university courses, meaning that if you choose not to study Geography at university it will still be an incredible asset for degree that you may choose to study.

At A-level, geography is a ‘facilitating subject’ and one of the choices most likely to secure you a place at a top university. Its combination of physical and social sciences, data skills and real world applications, makes geography a highly relevant subject to study and the perfect companion to any other humanities, arts or science subjects.

J Smith, RGS-IBG Director

Geography related careers, both degree and non-degree are highly varied and can range from the classic ideas such as being a Soldier to Environmental Law. In fact many careers would benefit from having a Geography Qualification! 

Geography and Reading

We also believe that students use what they have learnt in the classroom to help develop their interests outside the classroom and strongly suggest that students read around the subject as much as possible and in areas that interest them. This can be from the wildfires in Australia to how computer games can help us understand how diseases could spread. There is reading lists provided to help get started but students are encouraged to read about the topic in a way that develops their interest.

We all live our lives geographically. Planet Earth is our home. It is awesome, diverse, inspiring and ever changing. Studying geography invites us to participate more fully in the excitement, enjoyment and challenge of this dynamic world. It draws on personal experience, to help us better understand the places we live in, why they matter and how they are connected to a globalised world.

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)