Geography
The Geography Department aims to help students understand the links between the environment and the society we live in. We focus on the core ideas of space, scale, interdependence, human and physical processes, environmental impact, sustainable development and cultural diversity.
Geography develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the natural and human environment, and their place within it. The subject gives the opportunity to travel the world via the classroom. Topics studied allow investigation into the interactions between the human and physical world, and exploration of key opportunities and challenges facing humanity. Geography is a popular subject, with good uptake and results at both GCSE and A Level.
Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, it 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.
Global warming, sustainable food production, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, the spread of disease, the reasons for migration and the future of energy resources are just some of the great challenges facing the next generation of geographers.
Former Head of Department, Mrs Gibbs, shares more information on studying Geography at King Edward VI School.
Year 7
In Year 7, students study the following topics:
- What is Geography?
- Rivers
- Kenya
- Farming
- Geographical Investigation and Map skills
Year 8
In Year 8, students will study the following topics:
- Population
- Coasts
- Tropical Rainforests
- India
- Geographical Investigation
- Weather and Climate
Year 9
In Year 9, students will study the following topics:
- Development
- Think -Act
- Plate Tectonics
- Globalisation
- Young Geographer of the Year
Year 10
In Year 10, students will study the following topics:
- Earthquakes and Volcanoes
- Tourism
- Coasts
- Rivers
- Population
- Settlement
Year 11
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
- Economic Development
- Weather and Climate
- Development
- Energy and Water
- Sustainability
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
- Lower School Geography club
- Geography Society
Trips
The Department is very aware of the benefits of fieldwork at all levels in Geography and therefore as many opportunities as possible are incorporated.
- Longdown Activity Farm - Students explore how the farming industry is diversifying and the challenges facing modern farmers (Year 7).
- Living Rainforest - Students explore the adaptations of plants and animals to the tropical rainforest biome, along with the sustainable uses of the resources of the rainforest (Year 8).
- Studland Bay Coasts Studies - In preparation for the IGCSE Paper 4 alternative to coursework, Year 10 pupils will visit the coast to practice methods of coastal data collection, including beach profiles, sediment analysis and sand dune succession (Year 10).
- River Lymington - In preparation for the IGCSE Paper 4 alternative to coursework, Year 10 pupils will investigate the changing characteristics of the Lymington River from source to mouth. Students will have the opportunity to practice methods of data collection including measuring river channel characteristics and the applicability of the Bradshaw model (Year 10).
- Southampton local area - In preparation for the IGCSE Paper 4 alternative to coursework, Year 11 pupils will investigate how urban characteristics change with distance from Southampton’s CBD. Students will have the opportunity to practice methods of data collection including land use surveys, pedestrian counts and bi polar analysis (Year 11).
Meet The Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Geography Department, email tlk@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Ms. T. King BA | Head of Geography |
| Dr. T.W. Fewtrell BSc, PhD | Geography |
| Mrs. L-J. Gibbs BA | Geography, Head of Year - Sixth Form |
| Mrs. S Kopitsa | Teacher of Georgraphy |
| Mrs. J McConnachie | Teacher of Georgraphy |
| Mrs. A.H. Penfold BA | Geography, Sustainability Co-ordinator |
| Mrs. E. S. Walls | Geography, Head of Year - Lower School |
