The following will provide a summary of the programme of study for Geography. Each module will build upon knowledge, key concepts, processes and skills as identified to create social, cultural, creative and academic capital. The study of Geography will enhance life chances and create more knowledgeable citizens of the world, as well as embedding Fundamental British Values and the Pembroke Values of Generosity, Curiosity, Courage, Wisdom and Passion.

The Importance of Geography

Geography stimulates a sense of wonder about the world and enables students to make sense of a complex and changing world and their place in it. The intent of this curriculum is to provide a broad and varied base of knowledge and skills that students are able to build and expand upon, sharing their own personal experiences of natural and human environments.  We aim to create excellent geographers and whilst we want to achieve the very best examination results, we feel it is important that the Curriculum goes beyond what is just examinable. Geography prepares the students for the future, as it fascinates, inspires and creates fully rounded, employable citizens.

The intention is aslo that students are competent in the geographical skills and are able to: collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through their own personal experiences, fieldwork and classroom based learning. They should be able to interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and be able to communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.

As we continuously remind students at Pembroke, YOU ARE GEOGRAPHY. What you eat, how you arrive at school, the clothes you wear, the places you travel to. Geography is a life-long conversation, with Pembroke students right at the heart of it.

Curriculum Aims

The Curriculum aims to address the key concepts central to a student’s Geographical Education, which are:

1. A sense of Place
2. Spatial Awareness
3. Scale
4. Interdependence
5. Physical and Human Processes
6. Cultural Diversity
7. Environmental Impact
8. Sustainable Development
9. Cultural Awareness

Here at Pembroke students will be encouraged to develop a “sense of place” through their studies, with the aim of them being able to understand that different places have different meanings to all. All experiences are unique and that one’s sense of place is unique and personal.

Pembroke students will be encouraged to be able to think spatially and  explore, visualise and analyse the ways in which physical and human features are arranged on the earth’s surface, through a range of visual mediums.

It is important that students learn “scale” How big or how small something is, not only at a local, national and global scale but when studying events or processes. Understanding scale, helps students to understand the significance of something.

Interdependence is an increasingly important concept. In the Geography department we are keen to help students make sense of how they are globally connected and why what happens in one part of the world can have significant repercussions in others.