Geography is often regarded as a bridge between the arts and the sciences; it aims to develop an understanding of the variable nature of the earth's physical landscape and the complex  nature of our own relationships and interactions with the environment.  

Lower Line

The department aims to ensure that all pupils develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes. Pupils will develop their understanding of the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time.

Physical geography will involve topics such as geological timescales and plate tectonics; rocks, weathering and soils; weather and climate, including the change in climate from the Ice Age to the present; and glaciation, hydrology and coasts.  The key topics studied under Human geography include population and urbanisation; international development; economic activity in the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary sectors; and the use of natural resources.

Higher Line

At GCSE, Human Geography and Physical Geography are examined separately. 

Physical Geography will focus on Coasts, Rivers and the Restless Earth. Stimulating lessons include: Is it possible to predict earthquakes and volcanoes? What would happen if the super volcano at Yellow Stone erupted? What happened on Boxing Day 2004 and why was it so much worse than the Japanese Tsunami?

Human Geography will look at Tourism, Population and Sustainable cities. Interesting lessons include: How does China deal with its population issues? How will the UK control immigration? Why do people want to visit places with extreme environments? How can London become the most environmentally friendly city in the world? How did the London Olympics impact East London?

There is also a controlled assessment on the impact of tourism.  This will involve fieldwork during a trip to the New Forest.

Sixth Form

At AS and A level, the course aims to investigate both Human and Physical Geography in greater depth.  Topics include: Population, Health, Rivers, Coasts, Tectonics, World Cities and Ecosystems.  There will also be an increased focus on the significance of market influences.  Students will be engaged through the most up to date topical material as well as by attending field trips to carry out and learn techniques of geographical investigations.