Key Stage 3

KS3 Geography All pupils study Geography in Years 8, 9 and 10. Our KS3 Programme provides varied and interesting learning experiences under the following headings: 

• Geographical Skills(map work, research, data handling, presentation and communication skills);
• Geographical Themes(Rocks and Processes of Landscape Development, Natural Hazards, Weather and Climate, Ecosystems, Population, Settlement, Economic Activities, Environmental Issues);
• Places and Locational Knowledge(Ireland and Northern Ireland – the counties, main towns, rivers, loughs and mountains; the member states and capital cities of the European Union; the continents and oceans and major lines of latitude and longitude of the world.;
• Issues(Environmental Issues such as deforestation, global warming and plastic in the ocean; World Development Issues);
• Contribution to Educational Themes(ICT, Careers, Cultural Heritage, Health Education, Economic Awareness). 

ICT is used extensively to enhance learning and the pupils are given many opportunities to research information, create presentations, analyse data and the use of GIS including Google Earth.

Grammar Pathway in Geography

In each year group at Key Stage 3 we operate a grammar pathway in Geography. Pupils who follow this pathway will study each topic in more depth and will undertake extra work in each of these topics. There will be more stretch and challenge activities as well as more independent research accompanied with extended writing opportunities. In Year 8 we will also being to look at exam technique and how to achieve my highest possible score. The skills learned in Year 8 will be embedded and will help pupils reach their potential.

Topics I will Study in Yr. 8 Geography

What is Geography?

1. Types of Geography
2. OS Map Skills including direction, scale, symbols, grid references and latitude/longitude
3. The Solar system
4. Locational Geography including the continents, oceans, British Isles, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Co. Tyrone.
5. Weather
6. Local Area – Settlement

Topics I will Study in Yr. 9 Geography

1. Weathering & Erosion
2. Rivers
3. Coasts
4. OS Map Work (Contours)
5. Population
6. Environmental Issues

Topics I will Study in Yr. 10 Geography

1. Tectonic hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis
2. Development
3. Energy resources
4. An urban study
5. Global Warming
6. Deforestation
7. Plastic in the ocean

Key Stage 4

At Drumragh Integrated College at GCSE level we follow the CCEA specification for geography. At GCSE level (new specification) the subject is divided into 3 modules: 

• Unit 1 - Understanding our Natural World (40%)
• Unit 2 - Living in Our World (40%)
• Unit 3 – Fieldwork (20%)

In Year 11 at Drumragh Integrated College, the pupils complete module1 which consists of 4 themes: 

• o Theme A: River Environments
• o Theme B: Coastal Environments
• o Theme C: Our Changing Weather and Climate
• o Theme D: The Restless Earth

In Year 12 at Drumragh Integrated College, the pupil’s complete module 2 which consists of 4 themes: 

• Theme A - Population and Migration
• Theme B - Changing Urban Areas
• Theme C - Contrasts in World Development
• Theme D - Managing Our Environment 

In Year 12 at Drumragh Integrated College, the pupil’s complete module 3 which is a paper based on their fieldwork. 

Year 12 Geography pupils will conduct a fieldwork study either on a local river or attend Magilligan Field centre. 

Pupils follow the CCEA GCSE Geography specification: https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCSE/GCSE%20Geography%20%282017%29/GCSE%20Geography%20%282017%29-specification-Standard.pdf

Key Stage 5

AS and A2 Geography

A-Level Geography students learn about geographical concepts and processes, interactions between people and their environment, the challenges of sustainability and the importance of attitudes and values. They acquire and develop skills of problem solving, decision-making, communication and managing information as well as interpersonal skills, ICT and practical skills gained through fieldwork investigation.

One day in Year 13 completing a study of plant succession along the Umbra Nature Reserve at Benone Beach.

Pupils follow the CCEA A Level specification https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCE/GCE%20Geography%20%282018%29/GCE%20Geography%20%282018%29-specification-Standard.pdf.

Modules

Examination Board:   CCEA

AS GEOGRAPHY

AS 1: Physical Geography

Ecosystems, Rivers, Weather and Climate

40% of AS (16% of A level)

AS 2: Human Geography

Population, Settlement and Development

40% of AS (16% of A level)

AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques Pupils will bring a table of data and a summary of their fieldwork into the exam. This paper involves responding to data. 20% of AS (8% of A level)

A2 GEOGRAPHY

A2 1: Physical Processes and Human Interactions

Tectonics and Coasts

24% of A level

A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography

Sustainable Settlements and Tourism

24% of A level

A2 3: Decision Making in Human Geography

Pupils will be presented with data in the form of a case study. They will make and justify a geographical decision.

12% of A level

Lunch Time Clubs / After College Clubs

Drumragh Integrated College is an ‘Eco-School'. The Eco-Committee consisting of a group of students representing Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. We have been awarded the ‘Green Flag' in the past and we are currently updating its status through the Eco Committee.

The department also provides after school GCSE and A2 Geography revision classes. 

Extracurricular Activities / Trips

Overseas

Over the past few years the Geography department has embarked on a number of overseas trips

In October 2017 we visited Iceland on a 5-day trip visiting the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik and other geographical landscapes such as waterfall, geysers and glaciers

In October 2019 we visited Italy – namely Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Rome. 

Local

We also participate and engage in fieldtrips within Northern Ireland.

Year 12 students attend the Magilligan Field centre on the North coast to complete a river study.

Year 13 students also attend the Magilligan Field Centre to complete a sand dune succession study. We are located on Benone Beach.

Year 9 students go to the Marble Arch caves in Fermanagh.

Year 10 students complete an urban study of Omagh.

Year 8 conduct various fieldwork activities around school.

Year 10 students have attended the Geographical Society Geography school quiz.

Year 13/14 Geography student attend the Geographical society lectures in Queen’s to help prepare for AS3 and A23 papers.