Geography

Geography at Shrewsbury International School promotes an understanding of the physical and human processes that shape the contrasting environments, communities and cultures that surround us and provides an important link between the natural and social sciences.

Key Stage 3

All students at Key Stage Three follow a Geography programme that aims to enhance students awareness and understanding of the world around them, whilst also developing their geographical skills, such as map work techniques, numeracy, ICT and field work methods.

1. Year 7    The year begins with the use of an atlas, followed by the introduction of basic map skills. In term 2, river processes and landforms are studied. The theory of plate tectonics and the effects of volcanic and seismic hazards are studied in depth in term 3.
   

2. Year 8    The year begins with the study of coastal environments, including mangrove forests and coral reefs. In term 2, the students learn about global population growth and economic development. The causes and effects of global warming and the use of energy resources are studied in term 3.
   

3. Year 9    The year begins with the study of weather and climate. In term 2, the course looks at two contrasting tropical ecosystems: rainforests and hot deserts. In term 3, lessons focus on the introduction of more advanced map reading skills and the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
   

Key Stage 4

We follow the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE specification. This consists of the following topic areas: Map skills, Population, River processes and landforms, Settlement, Plate Tectonics, Weather and Climate, Weathering and Erosion, Coastal processes and landforms, Industry and Development, Agriculture, Leisure and Tourism and finally, Energy and Water Resources. All students undertake a written fieldwork alternative, as we have found this to be more successful than the traditional coursework option. However, field studies form an integral part of the course, with a residential week in Year 10.

Sixth Form

At AS and A2 Level we follow the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) specification. This consists of a balance of both physical and human topics combined with geographical skills.