The Geography Department at Sherfield encourages all pupils to develop an awareness of, and interest in, the world around them. Through a variety of teaching methods pupils learn about the physical processes at work on the Earth and how people influence and interact with them.
The study of Geography as a specialist subject from Year R to Year 13, allows pupils to develop an acute awareness and understanding of the world in which they live. They are taught not to accept things at face value, but to ask questions to broaden their horizons and develop their own opinions about world issues.
Geography is truly a cross-curricular subject and pupils develop a wide range of skills, including asking geographical questions, collecting and analysing data, understanding and drawing maps at a range of scales, and using ICT to communicate and develop ideas.
Fieldwork is an integral part of Geography and the Department runs a selection of fieldtrips for most year groups. In the Primary School the school estate and local area are used to good effect. Fieldwork skills are developed to consolidate concepts introduced in the classroom. All expeditions are undertaken in accordance with the schools outdoor visits / risk assessment procedures and the safety of adults and children is paramount.
Current fieldtrips in the Senior school include:
Year 7 – Lulworth Cove, Dorset (Coastal Processes) Year 8 – Natural History Museum, Earth Galleries (Plate Tectonics) Year 9 – Cheddar Gorge, Somerset (Limestone Landscapes)
There is also a residential trip to Somerset for GCSE pupils to collect data for their coursework.
The Geography Department ran its first Challenge Day in February for Year 4-6 pupils. They were invited to take part in a decision-making exercise using the school grounds to find a location for a proposed weather station. Pupils successfully used maps, computers and discussion as a team to present their arguments for the best location.
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