Step into Geography

Overview

In Year 7 Geography, you'll explore what geography is all about. You'll learn the difference between human geography, which studies people and places, and physical geography, which looks at natural features like mountains and rivers. You'll also discover the places you'll study in KS3 and get an introduction to essential map skills.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Before starting this unit, you might already know some basic ideas about what maps are and how they help us find places. You may have heard about continents, countries, and perhaps some famous landmarks or physical features.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

In this unit, you'll learn how to use maps. You'll find out how to show scale and direction, understand what map symbols mean, and learn how to read 4 and 6 figure grid references to pinpoint locations accurately.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You'll practice using maps by interpreting symbols, measuring distances using scales, and identifying locations with grid references. These skills will help you better understand the world around you.

Wild Weather

Overview

In Year 7 Geography, you'll explore the differences between weather and climate, learn about the causes of weather changes, and understand the UK's climate. You'll also discover different types of rainfall, how weather is measured, and what depressions and anticyclones are. This unit is key to understanding how weather and climate affect our lives.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

In KS2, you may have learned about different weather types, how to read a simple weather chart, and what seasons are like in the UK. This knowledge will help you understand more complex ideas about weather patterns and climate in Year 7.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You'll dive deeper into understanding the difference between weather and climate, how weather changes, and what makes the UK’s climate unique. You will learn about weather tools, types of rainfall, and how high and low-pressure systems like anticyclones and depressions can cause extreme weather.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You'll practice skills like reading weather maps, using graphs to track weather changes, and understanding how different tools measure weather. These skills are important for understanding the big picture of how weather and climate affect our world.

Development

Overview

In Year 7 Geography, you'll explore what development means and why some countries are more developed than others. You'll learn how development is measured economically and socially, and discover how different factors like jobs, fair trade, and technology can improve development. Understanding development helps explain why people around the world live in different conditions.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

In KS2, you may have studied different countries, cultures, and how people live in various environments. This background will help you understand why some places are more developed than others and how development impacts people’s lives.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You'll learn how we measure development using indicators like income, education, and health. You'll explore the demographic transition model, which shows how populations change over time, and discover how jobs, fair trade, small-scale technology, and industrial development contribute to a country's growth.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You'll develop skills in using choropleth maps to visually compare development levels across countries, calculating range and mean to analyse data, and interpreting different types of graphs. These skills will help you analyse global inequalities and explore strategies for reducing the development gap.

Icy Planet

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore the Polar Regions, focusing on glaciers and their impact on landscapes. You’ll learn about how glaciers form and shape the land, how plants and animals survive in these cold environments, and how climate change affects the Arctic. You’ll also investigate human activities in these regions and consider what the future might hold for both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Building on your KS2 knowledge, you’ve learned about how natural processes shape environments, like how coasts change over time. This background will help you understand how glaciers, similar to waves, create unique landforms and how human activities and climate change impact these icy regions.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

Building on your KS2 knowledge, you’ve learned about how natural processes shape environments, like how coasts change over time. This background will help you understand how glaciers, similar to waves, create unique landforms and how human activities and climate change impact these icy regions.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in identifying landforms through geographical photographs, interpreting climate graphs, and using critical thinking to understand the future of Polar Regions. You’ll also practice drawing diagrams to illustrate how glaciers shape the landscape.

Growing Planet

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore climate change and its impacts at global and local scales. You’ll learn what climate change is, the natural and human causes, and how the Earth’s climate has changed over time. You’ll study the effects of climate change on people and the environment.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You have already learnt about weather and climate and development. In this unit we will look at the impact of a changing environment on countries and the impact this is having.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll learn about the greenhouse effect and how human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to climate change. You’ll explore the impacts of climate change on people and environments in different parts of the world, including both HICs and LICs. You’ll also investigate strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, and evaluate their effectiveness.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll use graphs, maps and climate data to identify trends and patterns in temperature and rainfall. You’ll interpret climate graphs, choropleth maps and source photographs to analyse the impacts of climate change. You’ll also develop evaluation skills by comparing different responses to climate change and using evidence to support geographical judgements.

Climate Change

Overview

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

Skills you will develop in this unit

Energy and Sustainability

Overview

In Year 8 Geography, you’ll explore energy and sustainability, learning about where our energy comes from and how we can use it more sustainably. You’ll examine different types of energy sources, including fossil fuels and renewables, and understand their impacts on the environment. This unit will help you think about the future of energy and how we can make better choices for the planet.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Building on what you’ve learned in Year 7 you already understand how human activities affect the environment. This knowledge will help you grasp why energy use is so important and how it links to sustainability and development.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll learn what resources are, how energy is consumed, and the trends in UK energy use. You’ll explore fossil fuels and their impacts, and compare them with renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. You’ll also look at energy issues in the Middle East and investigate how energy is transferred.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll apply skills from throughout Year 7, such as creating and interpreting graphs, using maps, and evaluating arguments. You’ll also conduct mini fieldwork to investigate energy use in your school, learning to assess data and think critically about sustainability.

Violent Earth

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore tectonics, focusing on how the Earth's structure affects natural hazards like volcanoes and earthquakes. You’ll learn about tectonic plates, how they move, and how they cause volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. You'll also investigate how these events impact people and how we can respond to and prepare for them.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

From previous topics, you’ve learned about natural processes and how development can affect different regions. You will use this understanding to explore why some people choose to live in areas prone to tectonic hazards, why certain hazards are more severe than others, and why responses to these hazards can differ.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll discover what the Earth is made of, how tectonic plates move, and the features and effects of volcanoes and earthquakes. You’ll learn about the formation of tsunamis, how people can survive earthquakes, and why some people choose to live near volcanoes. You’ll also look at real-life case studies to understand responses to these hazards.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in numeracy to interpret data on earthquakes and volcanoes, use GIS to map tectonic hazards, and understand the Richter scale for measuring earthquakes. You’ll also evaluate case studies to see how different places respond to natural hazards and improve your understanding of their impacts.

Development Part 2

Overview

In this unit, you will explore what development looks like around the world and why countries develop at different rates. You will investigate how development can change people’s quality of life through factors such as industry, technology, trade and sustainability. Using real-world examples, including Peru, you will consider how governments, businesses and charities attempt to reduce poverty and improve living standards, as well as the challenges this creates for people and the environment.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Building on your previous learning, you already know how development can be measured using indicators such as income, life expectancy and access to services. You are familiar with the terms LICs, NEEs and HICs and can give examples of countries at different levels of development. This knowledge will help you compare countries and understand why development varies across the world.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn about different strategies used to promote development, including fair trade, the use of intermediate and modern technology, industrial development and sustainable development. You will explore how development affects countries like Peru and examine the advantages and disadvantages of development projects. You will also investigate the role of charities and NGOs in supporting development and reducing inequality.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in analysing case studies, interpreting development data and using evidence to explain how development strategies work. You will practise comparing different approaches to development, evaluating their impacts and forming balanced judgements. You will also improve your ability to use geographical vocabulary, write structured explanations and interpret maps, graphs and photographs linked to development.

Hot Deserts

Overview

In this unit, you will explore hot desert environments and why they are some of the most extreme places on Earth. You will learn about the climate of deserts, the landforms created by erosion and weathering, and how plants, animals and people have adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. You will also investigate the opportunities and challenges deserts present and examine the causes and impacts of desertification.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Building on your previous study of cold environments, you already understand how extreme climates affect landscapes, ecosystems and human activity. You are familiar with the idea of adaptation and how plants, animals and people adjust to survive in challenging environments. This knowledge will help you compare hot deserts with cold environments and understand how climate influences life in different parts of the world.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn where the world’s major deserts are located and what makes a desert climate unique. You will study desert landforms such as sand dunes, wadis and rock formations, and explore how wind and water shape the landscape. You will discover the characteristics and adaptations of desert plants and animals, learn about desert cultures, and examine the opportunities and challenges of living and working in desert environments. You will also investigate desertification, including its causes, impacts and ways it can be managed.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in interpreting climate graphs, maps and photographs linked to desert environments. You will practise comparing hot deserts with cold environments, explaining processes such as erosion and adaptation, and using evidence from case studies. You will also improve your ability to write clear geographical explanations, use subject-specific vocabulary and evaluate how human activity can both damage and protect fragile environments.

Coasts

Overview

In Year 8 Geography, you’ll learn about coasts and the different types of coastline. You’ll explore how waves work, what processes shape the coast, and how coastal landforms like stacks and spits are created. You'll also study the threats to the coast and how we can protect it, focusing on UK landscapes.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Previously, you will have learned about physical features found in cold environments and hot deserts. This knowledge will help you understand the coastline and the natural processes that shape it. You may have also learned about basic erosion, which is key to understanding how coasts change over time.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll dive into understanding how geology affects the coast, how waves and processes like erosion, transportation, and deposition shape coastal landforms. You'll explore the impacts of climate change and tourism on the coast, and learn about different ways to protect the coastline sustainably.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in analysing coastal features, understanding how different types of coastal defences work, and evaluating their effectiveness. You’ll also practise problem-solving and critical thinking, learning to balance different perspectives when making decisions about coastal management.

Middle East

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the Middle East as a world region, focusing on its physical geography, people and global importance. You will investigate how the region’s environment, resources and location have shaped human activity, as well as the challenges faced by countries in the Middle East today. Using real-world examples, including Qatar and Dubai, you will examine development, conflict, migration and sustainability in the region.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

Building on your previous studies of development and population, you already understand why countries develop at different rates and how population growth and migration affect places. You are familiar with push and pull factors, population distribution and the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities. This knowledge will help you understand why the Middle East has experienced rapid change, inequality and large-scale migration.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn where the Middle East is located and which countries are part of the region. You will study the physical geography of the Middle East, including deserts, rivers and oil-rich areas, and explore key environmental challenges such as water scarcity. You will examine the causes and impacts of conflict, investigate how migration is shaping the region, and study major development projects such as the Qatar World Cup. You will also consider whether cities like Dubai are sustainable and explore the social and environmental costs of rapid development.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in analysing maps, data and case studies linked to the Middle East. You will practise explaining complex issues such as conflict, migration and sustainability, and comparing different viewpoints. You will also improve your ability to use evidence to support judgements, write balanced geographical explanations and apply key concepts from development and population to real-world examples.

Rivers

Overview

In this unit, you will learn about rivers and how they shape the landscape. You’ll explore how rivers form drainage basins, the different processes occurring in a river, and how features like waterfalls and meanders are created. You’ll also study how rivers are used by people, the causes and effects of river floods, and evaluate various methods to manage flooding.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

From your earlier studies, you’ve learned about natural processes and how they affect landscapes, such as coastal processes and glacial systems. This background will help you understand how rivers function, how they shape landforms, and how flooding can impact different areas.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll discover how rivers create drainage basins and the processes inside a river, like erosion, transportation, and deposition. You’ll learn how waterfalls and meanders form, what causes floods, and how storm hydrographs help us understand flooding. You’ll also explore different methods for managing floods, including hard and soft engineering solutions.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in identifying river features using photographs and OS maps. You’ll learn to analyse storm hydrographs to understand flooding patterns and evaluate different flood management strategies. These skills will help you understand how river systems work and how we can reduce the impacts of flooding.

Globalisation

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore globalisation and how the world has become increasingly connected. You’ll learn what globalisation is, how it has developed over time, and the key factors that have caused it, including improvements in transport, technology and trade. You’ll study how globalisation affects people, places and the environment, looking at both the benefits and challenges for different countries. You’ll also examine how global companies operate and how globalisation can be managed to reduce negative impacts.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve already learned about development, global inequalities, and differences between LICs, NEEs and HICs. You’ll build on your understanding of trade, resources and economic activity to explore how countries are connected through global flows of goods, money, people and information.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll learn about the causes of globalisation and how it has increased connections between countries. You’ll explore the role of transnational corporations, global supply chains and international trade. You’ll study the impacts of globalisation on employment, culture and the environment in different parts of the world, and examine strategies used by governments and organisations to manage globalisation more sustainably.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll use maps, graphs and case study evidence to analyse patterns of global connections and trade. You’ll interpret data on exports, imports and employment, and use source materials such as photographs and diagrams to explain the impacts of globalisation. You’ll also develop evaluation skills by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation for different groups and places.

Threatened Places

Overview

In this unit, you'll explore various threats to our planet and how they affect different places. You’ll learn about environmental issues such as plastic pollution, climate change, and desertification. You’ll also look at how these threats impact both the global and local environment and discover ways to create a more sustainable future.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve previously studied how natural processes and human activities can impact the environment, such as the effects of rivers and coasts. This will help you understand how various threats, like climate change and plastic pollution, affect different places around the world.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll learn about how plastic pollution threatens oceans and the causes and effects of climate change globally and in the UK. You’ll explore issues like coral reef damage, desertification, and the problems with fast fashion. Additionally, you’ll discover ways to make food production and local areas more sustainable and understand conflicts over resources and responses to these conflicts.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll use statistical skills to analyse data, such as calculating mean, median, and mode. You’ll also create and interpret bar charts, proportional circles, and line graphs to visualise environmental data. These skills will help you understand and address the various threats to our planet and evaluate sustainability solutions.

Living World

Overview

In this unit, you'll explore different ecosystems around the world and understand how they interact. You’ll focus on tropical rainforests, learning about their characteristics, how plants and animals adapt, and the impacts of deforestation. You’ll also look at the value of these ecosystems and strategies for managing and conserving them.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

From earlier studies, you’ve learned about environmental threats and sustainability. This knowledge helps you understand how human activities, like deforestation, affect ecosystems. Your understanding of global issues will support your study of how ecosystems function and why they are important.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll discover the global distribution of ecosystems, focusing on the tropical rainforest. You’ll learn how plants and animals adapt to their environments and the effects of deforestation on these ecosystems. You’ll also explore the value of rainforests and review strategies for managing and conserving ecosystems to ensure their sustainability.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in comparing models of ecosystem distribution, using maps and atlases to locate different ecosystems. You’ll analyse photographs to understand ecosystem features and evaluate strategies for ecosystem management. These skills will help you grasp the complexities of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts.

Resource Management

Overview

In this unit, you'll examine how food, water, and energy are crucial for human development and explore how we manage these resources in the UK. You'll learn about the challenges and solutions related to food production, water supply, and energy use, and consider how to move towards a more sustainable future.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

From previous studies, you’ve learned about environmental impacts, sustainability, and human activities. This foundation helps you understand how vital resources like food, water, and energy influence development and how we can address issues like resource scarcity and environmental impact.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll explore how food, water, and energy contribute to human development and the challenges of meeting their growing demand in the UK. You’ll study the changes in water demand and energy sources, including the benefits and issues related to fossil fuels. You’ll also learn about energy surpluses and deficits, energy insecurity, and strategies for a sustainable future.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in analysing data on food production, water management, and energy use. You’ll use maps to understand areas of energy surplus and deficit and evaluate different energy sources. You’ll also create and interpret graphs to visualise trends and assess the impacts of resource management strategies.

Weather Hazards and Climate Change

Overview

In this unit, you will study how natural hazards like tropical storms and extreme weather affect people and the environment. You will learn about the processes behind these weather events, the impact of climate change, and how different strategies can help manage and reduce these risks. This will build on what you've previously learned about weather and climate.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve already explored weather, climate, and climate change, which will help you understand how natural hazards occur and their impact. You know how different factors influence weather patterns and how human activities can affect climate change, providing a foundation for studying how these processes cause hazards.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn about the formation and structure of tropical storms, their impact on people and the environment, and how climate change affects these storms. You’ll study specific examples of weather hazards, like named storms in the UK, and how their impacts are managed. You’ll also explore how extreme weather is becoming more common and what actions can be taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in analysing statistical data, such as using the interquartile range and mean to understand weather patterns and climate change. You’ll create and interpret graphs to visualise trends, and use maps to see the distribution of weather hazards. You’ll also explore how to use future data to predict and manage the effects of climate change.

Changing Economic World - LIC/NEE

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore how and why some countries are more developed than others. You’ll learn about the causes of inequality, how development affects populations, and the role of organisations and businesses in changing economies. This will help you understand how development varies across different countries and what can be done to improve living conditions.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You already know about HICs, LICs, and NEEs and how these categories help us understand different levels of development. You’ve also studied how development affects people’s lives and the basic concepts of population and economic change. This unit builds on that foundation to explore the reasons behind economic disparities and the ways they can be addressed.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn why some countries develop faster than others and how population changes relate to economic development. The unit will cover the impact of transnational companies (TNCs) and international aid on NEEs and the challenges and opportunities these countries face. You’ll also examine strategies to close the development gap and improve conditions in various regions.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll use your skills to interpret demographic transition models and analyse development data. You will practice comparing different countries' development levels, assess the impact of TNCs and aid, and evaluate strategies for reducing inequality. This will help you understand and explain the complexities of global development and economic change.

Tectonic Hazards

Overview

In this unit, you'll explore tectonic hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes, and understand why they occur. You’ll learn about the Earth's structure and plate tectonics, how these forces create natural hazards, and how different places manage and respond to them. By studying real-life case studies, you'll see how these hazards impact both High-Income Countries (HICs) and Newly Emerging Economies (NEEs).

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You've already studied different types of natural hazards and how they affect people and places. This includes understanding how human activities and natural processes shape the world. This unit builds on your knowledge by focusing specifically on tectonic hazards, including their causes and effects, and how people live in areas prone to these risks.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll discover the Earth's layers and how the movement of tectonic plates causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The unit will cover how to manage and reduce the impact of these hazards, with detailed case studies from both HICs and NEEs. You'll compare how different countries prepare for and respond to these events and why some people live in risky areas.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll develop skills in analysing case studies to compare the impacts of tectonic hazards in different countries. You’ll learn to identify and describe the structure of the Earth and plate boundaries, and use maps and data to understand where and why these hazards occur. Additionally, you'll evaluate various management strategies to see what works best in different contexts.

Hot or Cold Environments

Overview

In this unit, you will explore cold environments, such as Polar Regions and tundra. You’ll learn about their physical features, how people develop and manage these areas, and the challenges they face. By studying places like Svalbard, you’ll understand the unique opportunities and difficulties that come with living in these extreme conditions.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve already learned about different ecosystems and environments, including the tropical rainforests. This background helps you understand the contrasts between hot and cold environments. You’ll build on this knowledge by focusing specifically on how cold environments are shaped and managed, and how development impacts these areas.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll discover why cold environments have their specific features, such as ice and permafrost, and how these conditions affect development. You’ll look at the opportunities for development in places like Svalbard, such as resource extraction, and the challenges, like extreme weather and isolation. You’ll also learn about strategies for managing these environments sustainably.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in analysing the physical characteristics of cold environments and understanding their impact on human activities. This includes using case studies like Svalbard to illustrate how development can both benefit and threaten cold environments. You'll practice using maps and data to explore these areas, and evaluate management strategies for sustainable development.

Urban Issues and Challenges - UK Cities

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore urban issues and challenges within UK cities. You’ll learn about global urbanisation trends and what makes megacities unique. You’ll focus on a specific UK city to understand how migration and urban change have created both opportunities and challenges. You’ll also study how cities can be regenerated and made more sustainable.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve previously studied how urban and rural areas differ and the impacts of development on cities. This knowledge will help you understand why cities change over time and how people adapt to these changes. You'll build on your understanding of population distribution and urban geography.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll learn about the patterns of urban growth around the world and factors driving urbanisation. By examining a UK city, you'll see how migration affects the population and how urban change brings both benefits, like improved infrastructure, and problems, such as congestion. You’ll also look at successful regeneration projects and ways to make cities more sustainable.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will use maps and graphs to analyse data on urban growth and challenges. Skills such as interpreting choropleth maps and analysing population data will help you understand how cities evolve. You'll also practice numeracy skills by calculating natural increase and evaluating how urban transport can reduce congestion.

Coasts

Overview

In this unit, you’ll learn about the features and processes that shape our coastlines. You’ll explore how different coastal landforms are created through erosion and deposition. You’ll also investigate how coastal management strategies, both hard and soft, protect our shores. By examining a UK coastline example, you’ll see these processes and management techniques in action and understand the challenges of living on an island.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You have already studied the basics of physical landscapes, including the processes that shape coastlines and glaciated regions. This prior knowledge will help you understand how coastal features are formed and how different methods are used to manage and protect these areas.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn about the natural processes that shape coastlines, such as erosion and deposition, and how they create different landforms like cliffs and beaches. You’ll explore how both hard engineering (e.g., sea walls) and soft engineering (e.g., beach nourishment) are used to protect coastlines. You'll also see real examples of coastal management in the UK and understand the challenges of living on an island.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will use cross-sectional diagrams and OS maps to study coastal features and processes. Skills such as interpreting diagrams, analysing coastal management strategies, and understanding how different stakeholders view coastal issues will be important. You'll also assess the effectiveness of various coastal protection methods.

Physical Fieldwork

Overview

In this unit, you’ll conduct fieldwork to study physical environments, such as coasts or rivers. You’ll learn how to collect and present data from real-life landscapes, analyse your findings, and draw conclusions. This hands-on approach helps you understand how geographical processes work in the real world.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You have previously studied physical landscapes, such as coastlines and rivers, and how these environments are shaped by natural processes. Your knowledge from these topics will help you make sense of the data you collect during fieldwork. Additionally, your experience with geographical enquiry from earlier years will support your investigative skills.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will learn how to plan and conduct physical fieldwork, including collecting data using various methods, such as measurements or observations. You will also discover how to present your data clearly using graphs and charts, analyse the results, and evaluate the effectiveness of your fieldwork methods.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will use skills such as data collection, graphing, and statistical analysis to handle your fieldwork results. You’ll practice creating and interpreting various types of data presentations, like bar charts and line graphs, and learn to evaluate the quality of your data and fieldwork process.

Urban Issues and Challenges - NEE

Overview

In this unit, you'll explore the challenges and opportunities faced by a rapidly growing city in a Newly Emerging Economy (NEE). You’ll learn about the causes of urban growth, how it benefits the city, and the problems it creates. You'll also discover how city planners are working to manage environmental issues and improve living conditions.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You have previously learned about urban issues in general, such as those in High-Income Countries (HICs) and Low-Income Countries (LICs). You also know how cities grow and change. This background will help you understand the specific challenges and opportunities in NEE cities.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will gain insights into why NEE cities are growing rapidly and how this growth creates both positive opportunities, like improved jobs and infrastructure, and negative challenges, such as environmental problems and overcrowding. You will also learn about the strategies used to manage these issues and improve urban living conditions.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will use skills like analysing maps to understand city locations, interpreting data to see how urban growth affects opportunities and challenges, and evaluating urban planning strategies. You’ll also look at graphs and other data to assess how well environmental and quality-of-life issues are being managed.

Hot or Cold Environments

Overview

In this unit, you will explore cold environments, such as Polar Regions and tundra. You’ll learn about their physical features, how people develop and manage these areas, and the challenges they face. By studying places like Svalbard, you’ll understand the unique opportunities and difficulties that come with living in these extreme conditions.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve already learned about different ecosystems and environments, including the tropical rainforests. This background helps you understand the contrasts between hot and cold environments. You’ll build on this knowledge by focusing specifically on how cold environments are shaped and managed, and how development impacts these areas.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You’ll discover why cold environments have their specific features, such as ice and permafrost, and how these conditions affect development. You’ll look at the opportunities for development in places like Svalbard, such as resource extraction, and the challenges, like extreme weather and isolation. You’ll also learn about strategies for managing these environments sustainably.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in analysing the physical characteristics of cold environments and understanding their impact on human activities. This includes using case studies like Svalbard to illustrate how development can both benefit and threaten cold environments. You'll practice using maps and data to explore these areas, and evaluate management strategies for sustainable development.

Human Fieldwork

Overview

In this unit, you'll dive into human fieldwork, focusing on collecting and analysing data about human environments. You'll explore how to gather information in real-life settings, present your findings clearly, and use your analysis to draw meaningful conclusions. This practical experience will help you understand how geographers study human spaces.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve previously studied geographical enquiry and methods for investigating environments, such as data collection and presentation. You also have experience with basic fieldwork techniques from your studies on physical environments and urban areas, which will help in this new context.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

In this unit, you'll learn the specifics of conducting human fieldwork, including how to collect data on topics like land use or population density. You’ll discover methods for presenting this data, such as through charts or maps, and how to analyse the results to understand patterns and trends. You'll also evaluate the effectiveness of your fieldwork process and findings.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will develop skills in data collection methods, such as surveys or observations. You'll practice presenting data using graphs, charts, and maps. Analysing data will involve identifying trends and drawing conclusions based on your findings. Finally, you’ll evaluate the strengths and limitations of your fieldwork to improve future investigations.

Rivers

Overview

This unit explores how rivers shape landscapes and manage flood risks. You’ll learn about the different landforms created by rivers, like waterfalls and meanders, and understand how rivers change from their source to their mouth. We’ll also look at how human and physical factors influence flood risks and examine various methods for managing floods.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You already know about how natural processes like erosion and deposition work from previous studies on coasts and glaciation. You’ve also learned how human activities can impact the environment, which will help you understand how we manage river systems and their flood risks.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

In this unit, you will learn about the long profile of a river, which shows how the river changes from its source to its mouth. You’ll explore how different processes create landforms and how factors like rainfall and human activity affect flood risks. You’ll also discover how different flood management techniques, such as hard and soft engineering, can help reduce flood damage.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You will practise drawing and interpreting long profiles and storm hydrographs. You’ll learn to identify and analyse different river landforms from maps and photographs. Additionally, you’ll evaluate the effectiveness of various flood management strategies by comparing their costs and benefits and see real-life examples of flood management in action.

Changing Economic World - UK Economy

Overview

In this unit, you’ll explore how the UK’s economy has evolved over time. You’ll learn about the shift from industry-based jobs to a post-industrial economy, where services and technology play a major role. We’ll look at changes in rural areas and infrastructure, and how the UK fits into the global economy today.

Prior knowledge you will need for this unit

You’ve previously learned about economic development in different countries, including LICs, NEEs, and HICs. This background helps you understand why the UK’s economy has changed from heavy industry to a focus on services and technology. Your understanding of urban and rural changes will also support your grasp of these economic shifts.

New knowledge you will learn in this unit

You will study how the UK’s economy has moved from relying on industries like coal and steel to focusing more on technology and services, known as a post-industrial economy. You'll also discover how rural areas are evolving, improvements in UK infrastructure, and the UK's role in the global economy.

Skills you will develop in this unit

You’ll practise analysing data on economic change using graphs and maps. You’ll also learn to evaluate the impacts of industrial decline and infrastructure development. By comparing past and present economic patterns, you’ll gain skills in interpreting how shifts in industry and infrastructure affect different areas of the UK.