Curriculum Allocation
Geography is taught for two 100 minute lessons per fortnight.
Curriculum Period 1 (10 lessons):
Curriculum content
Topic 1: Tectonics
Students are introduced to the powerful forces that shape our planet. They learn about the structure of the Earth, how and why tectonic hazards occur, and the importance of planning and preparation. Case studies from both high-income and low-income countries help students compare the impacts of earthquakes. The topic also investigates volcanoes – why people live near them, the risks they face, and real-world case studies that bring the topic to life.
| Lessons | |
| Lesson 1 | Introduction to Tectonics |
| Lesson 2 | Plan. Prepare. Protect. |
| Lesson 3 | HIC vs LIC earthquake case study. |
| Lesson 4 | What do we know about volcanoes? |
| Lesson 5 | Why do people live near volcanoes? |
| Lesson 6 | Volcano case study |
Topic 2. Coasts
Students then turn their attention to the UK’s coastline, developing an understanding of the processes that shape it. They study coastal erosion, landforms, and the role of transportation in changing our landscape. Finally, they explore coastal management and consider how people balance protecting communities with preserving the natural environment.
| Lessons | |
| Lesson 1 | What shapes our coastal landscape? |
| Lesson 2 | Coastal erosion and landforms. |
| Lesson 3 | Coastal transportation. |
| Lesson 4 | Coastal management. |
Assessment 1
The assessment is based on Topics 1-2, bringing together all the concepts keywords and skills practiced in lessons. The assessment will be a mixture of different types of questions from describe to explain. There will also be assessment of prior knowledge from Year 7
Curriculum Period 2 (8 Lessons):
Curriculum content
Topic 3: The Arctic
Students begin by investigating glacial environments and the unique processes and landforms shaped by ice. They examine how humans use the Arctic region – from indigenous lifestyles to modern industries – and consider the environmental pressures facing Greenland and beyond. This topic highlights the fragile balance between human activity and the natural world in one of Earth’s coldest regions.
| Lessons | |
| Lesson 1 | Glacial Environments |
| Lesson 2 | Glacial Processes and Landforms |
| Lesson 3 | Human Uses |
| Lesson 4 | Greenland |
Topic 4: The Middle East
Students then turn their attention to the Middle East, looking first at the physical landscape and the ways people adapt to living in extreme climates. They explore the region’s global importance, particularly through trade and political links, before focusing on Dubai as a case study of rapid growth in a desert environment. The topic concludes with a debate on oil – considering whether it is a “blessing or a curse” for the region’s future development.
| Lessons | |
| Lesson 1 | Physical Landscape and Adaptations |
| Lesson 2 | Middle East and the wider world |
| Lesson 3 | Living in Extremes: Dubai |
| Lesson 4 | Black Gold. Is The Oil a blessing or a curse? |
Assessment 2
Assessment will be based predominantly on the Curriculum Period 2 topics, with some questions re-capping Curriculum Period 1. The Curriculum period 1 areas re-capped will based on questions students performed least well on.Curriculum Period 3 (12 Lessons):
Curriculum content
Topic 5: Africa
Students begin by looking at Africa’s geography and challenging common stereotypes about the continent. They investigate Africa’s biomes and climate, considering the variety of landscapes from deserts to rainforests. Lessons also examine how Africa’s history has shaped its present, before finishing with a look at Africa’s future opportunities and challenges.| Lessons | |
| Lesson 1 | Africa's Geography and Sterotypes |
| Lesson 2 | Africa's Biomes and Climate |
| Lesson 3 | How did Africa's past shape it's present |
| Lesson 4 | Africa Present and Future |
Topic 6: The Americas
Students then explore the geography of the Americas, beginning with Canada and the USA. They study the USA’s role as a global superpower and the impacts of extreme weather, focusing on hurricanes. The topic then shifts south to Latin America, where students investigate its geography, tourism, and Brazil’s opportunities and challenges. The unit concludes by considering Latin America’s future, encouraging students to think about how development, environment, and global connections will shape the region.
| Lessons | |
| Lesson 1 | Canada's Geography |
| Lesson 2 | USA's Geography |
| Lesson 3 | USA Global Superpower |
| Lesson 4 | Extreme Weather: Hurricanes. |
| Lesson 5 | Latin America's Geography |
| Lesson 6 | Tourism in Latin America |
| Lesson 7 | Brazil's Opportunities and Challenges |
| Lesson 8 | Latin America's Future |
Assessment 3
Assessment will be based predominantly on the Curriculum Period 3 topics, with some questions re capping Curriculum Period 1 and 2. The Curriculum period 1 and 2 areas re-capped will based on questions students performed least well on.
Subject advice and guidance
If you need any further guidance then please contact your child’s teacher via email:
james.best@endon.set.org (Head of geography)
russel.cartlidge@endon.set.org
andrew.skelding@endon.set.org
aiden.jenkins@endon.set.org