About the Department
On this page you will find out a little bit about who we are and what we try to aim for in our teaching.
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The department consists of four full time geography specialists. We try to instill joy and wonder of the world whilst at the same time striving for academic excellence and the full development of each pupil's potential and interests. There are three dedicated teaching rooms, each one equipped with a full range of audio-visual resources including digital projection.
Notable successes in recent years include three candidates achieving top place nationally at GCSE with a further five candidates being placed in the top five nationally. At A level we have had two candidates achieving top place nationally.
Our Aims and Objectives
To give pupils a sound foundation of
geographical knowledge and understanding.
- Giving them knowledge of the location of some significant places and features at all scales from the local to the global.
- Helping them to understand why these places and features are there, and why they are like they are.
- Helping them to recognise that there are patterns and relationships in the otherwise complex human and physical world around them.
- Helping them to understand the important relationships between people and the environments in which they live.
- Understanding the great variety of processes which cause these patterns and relationships; the way in which these processes are often linked together as a dynamic system and the consequences of interfering with that system.
- Helping them to develop a sensitive understanding of the complicated mix of social, economic, political and environmental factors which lie behind many geographical issues.
To help pupils appreciate how people's beliefs, attitudes and values, which may be different from their own, have important geographical consequences.
- By ensuring that the investigation of issues is an integral part of the curriculum.
- By making comparisons between varied geographical locations and patterns in different parts of the world.
- By making discriminatory use of relevant sources from the media.
- By encouraging discussion and debate of sensitive issues.
- By allowing pupils to formulate their own opinion on an issue, provided that it is based on quality knowledge and understanding.
- By challenging racial, cultural, political, gender and other prejudice whenever it may occur.
- By giving pupils the opportunity to consider how they might act more effectively as individuals and as members of our society.
To help pupils develop a range of geographical skills which will not only assist with geographical investigations but will also contribute to their overall life skills.
- Map and atlas competence.
- Statistical and graphical competence.
- Research skills, including primary data collection and the use of secondary sources.
- Use of instruments to measure physical and environmental features in the field.
- Information and communication technology skills.
- Communication skills: written, verbal and visual.
- Social skills, allowing them to function effectively as part of a team.
To make the study of geography a worthwhile and enjoyable experience, developing a strong interest in both the pupils' surroundings and the wider world and an appreciation of the fascinating diversity of human and physical landscapes.
- To teach all pupils together in a manner that caters for the range of abilities found in the school.
- Providing a learning environment in which the maximum potential of more able pupils can be realised.
- Encouraging investigative individual and group activities.
- Conducting geographical games, simulations and decision making exercises in the classroom.
- Giving opportunities to participate in fieldwork within the constraints of the school curriculum.
To encourage pupils to see the increasing relevance of geographical understanding and skills in the modern world.
- By using topical and relevant teaching materials.
- By investigating current issues of local, national or world concern.
- By making pupils aware of the wide employment opportunities available to an individual with a geographical background.
Richard Willan
I've been Head of Department for more years that I can remember, during which the subject has gone through a number of changes! However, the basic need to explain what is happening to the world is still as important as ever (and frequently even more so). Other responsibilities in school include being Housemaster of Maples' and Form Teacher of 7T. I'm also involved with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and I've led many expeditions and trips to far away places such as Sulawesi and Bolivia.
Colin Sedgewick
I have been at Nottingham High School for many years too - but far less than Richard, I might add! I share my time with my other role as Head of Sixth Form. My main other school commitment is with the U16 Rugby team, which, if nothing else, allows me to travel at week-ends. It was a tremendous privilege to go on the departmental trip to Ecuador, and to witness my first volcanic eruption!
Wendy Davies
I have been at Nottingham High School since September 2001; a mere junior in the department compared with my male colleagues. I am an assistant form teacher in year 7 and an assistant tutor in Whites House. I enjoy travelling and experiencing different places, people and cultures. I have been fortunate to have lived in the USA, New Zealand and Australia for long and short periods of time as well as travelling extensively. Hopefully my pupils benefit from my experiences and this adds to my other role of running the Junior Geography Club.
Amy Lemon
I joined the department in September 2002, having taught in the state sector for a number of years. I have found it rewarding teaching here, not least because of the wealth of resources at our disposal. Outside the Geography department, my other responsibilities include being a Year 7 form teacher and an assistant tutor in Coopers' House. I have accompanied several school trips and enjoy assisting in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and with Stage Staff.
