Geography Department
Whether we are aware of it or not there is a geographer within us all. Where would we be without it? Geographically we are all somewhere and that somewhere is on planet Earth. The Earth offers diversity both from a human and physical perspective. Whatever interests and inspires us however great or small be sure that it is ever-changing and impacting on us in some way. Here in the Geography Department of the OPS we are very passionate about discovering how the world works and how change affects its fragile existence. Through our teaching we adopt the “Enquiry Approach”. This allows the children to ask questions such as: Where is it? What is it like? How did it get like that? Who lives there? and How is it changing? Coupled with this the children draw on their own personal experiences to bring more insight, interest and relevance to their studies. Perhaps of greater importance however, is the fact that everybody is encouraged to think for themselves and to formulate opinions.
The needs of the pupil are paramount and the teaching within the department reflects this. Geography has long embraced the variety of technology on offer. The internet is used for research and projects and there is an interactive whiteboard in the geography room which is utilised during lessons. Together with a range of up to date textbooks, a modern library and a variety of teaching skills all styles of learning are catered for.
Syllabus
Year 3
- Contrasting extreme environments around the world
- Settlements (with supporting study of Pangbourne)
- Country case studies
Year 4
- Rivers (with supporting visit to Henley River and Rowing Museum)
- Weather
- “Our island” The United Kingdom
- Settlements
Year 5
- Map work
- Europe and The European Union
Year 6
- Ordnance Survey Map work
- Tectonic Processes
- Project (The Oracle, Reading)
Year 7
- Geomorphological Processes
- Weather and Climate
- Project (River Study, Shropshire)
Year 8
- Global Location
- Settlements
- Economic activity (with supporting farm visit)
- Environmental issues
The topics covered in years 6, 7 and 8 are dedicated to the Common Entrance syllabus and the examination in the June of Year 8.
Fieldwork
At The OPS we are firm believers that geography is not restricted to the classroom. We aim to get each year group out at least once a year. This may be simply to utilise the extensive school grounds (Year 5), adventuring out to local farms, villages and towns (Years 3, 4, 6 and 8) or residential fieldtrips away (Year 7). Whatever the experience the children have the opportunity to use there inquisitive skills to ask why things are like they are, how things will change and most importantly why are they changing. Each opportunity provides the children with a first hand experience of the world around them and to put into practice what has been learnt in the classroom.
If you require any further information then please contact:
J. Edward. R. Williams Head of Geography
email: e.williams@oratoryprep.co.uk
