Geography

Teaching Staff
The Head of Department is:

• Mr B Kirkpatrick BSc PGCE Med

The other teachers within the department are:

• Mr J Rea BSc (Hons) PGCE

• Mr S Snoddy BEd PGCE

The Geography Department in Larne Grammar school prides itself in providing an interesting and stimulating curriculum for all students. The curriculum is based on the Revised Curriculum for Northern Ireland at Key Stage 3, and follows the CCEA Specification at GCSE, AS and A2 level.
 

Key Stage 3
Throughout Key Stage 3 we centre our study of Geographical principles on units of work which are used as frameworks for the development of each pupil’s geographical skills and knowledge. These units of work are structured so that pupils are well prepared to continue with Geography at GCSE and 'A' level. Topics covered include:

• Map Skills

• Ecosystems

• Population

• Tectonics

• Coasts

• Rivers

• Fieldwork
   

GCSE
At GCSE Geography is an optional subject and numbers choosing the subject continue to grow with around 70% of last year’s Year 10 pupils choosing to study the subject to GCSE level. This is reflective of the interesting and relevant nature of Geographical enquiry and also the level of success achieved by pupils in examinations. Geography at GCSE is split into 3 sections: -

• Physical Geography

• Human Geography

• Controlled Assessment
   

'A' Level
'A' level Geography is flourishing, with the number of 'A' level candidates growing year on year. The subject builds upon the topics covered at GCSE, therefore a sound knowledge of GCSE is a prerequisite. Geography at 'A' level is split into 4 sections: -

• AS1 – Physical Geography – Weather & Ecosystems

• AS2 – Human Geography – Population & Settlement

• A21 – Human Geography – Population & Sustainability

• A22 – Physical Geography – Rivers & Tectonics

Exam Success
The 2008-2009 AS Level class were the first to study the Revised A Level syllabus with 90% of candidates achieving an A grade. Special mention must go to Aaron Copeland who achieved 100% in AS module 2.

 
Aaron Copeland – 100% AS 2

Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an important component of the study of Geography in Larne Grammar School. All Year groups complete a fieldwork project:

• Year 8 – Microclimate study

• Year 9 – Clone town investigation

• Year 10 – River Study

• GCSE – River Study

• Year 13 – Sand dune investigation

• Year 14 – Energy investigation

 
Year 13 pupils at Magilligan Field Centre