Geography

- to develop a sense of place and an understanding of relative location
- to develop an awareness of the characteristics of a range of contrasting physical and human environments
- to promote an interest in and understanding of the ways in which people interact with each other and manage their environments
- to encourage pupils to form opinions on local, national and global issues
- To support pupils moving towards informed action on contemporary issues
Curriculum
At Key Stage Three all pupils study geography for three periods per week. During this time, pupils are introduced to a wide range of geographical knowledge and skills. Textbooks provide the background while use of information and communication technology helps to encourage research skills. In particular pupils in Form 2 have the opportunity to access the crime statistics from an on-line G.I.S. (Geographic Information System) called NINIS (Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service). In Form 3 they use various graphical techniques to investigate levels of education and environmental quality in
Indeed fieldwork is central to our curriculum. In Form 1 we investigate the geography and weather of the BRA site, in Form 2 the pupils investigate the coastline at Holywood,
At Key Stage Four we follow the CCEA geography specification. Again, fieldwork plays a significant role in the curriculum. The field report is valued at 20% of the GCSE award and allows collection, analysis and presentation of information. We examine the greater
A-level builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at Key Stages Three and Four. At A2 level decision-making is introduced. A number of our pupils are selected by the Trustees of Villiers Park for participation in the Reading Parties at Foxton,
Facilities and Resources
The five geography classrooms are BG1 and BG2 on the ground floor of the Bruce building and BG3, BG4 and BG5 on different levels at the end of the Bruce building. Each classroom contains an interactive whiteboard with video/DVD projection and a whiteboard. A set of atlases are available in each room. There are networked PCs in each room with scanners.
School News
SPRING CONCERT
23rd Mar 2010
Ulster Hall - 23rd March - 7.30pm
THE ACADEMY THROUGH TO SCHOOLS CUP FINAL
17th Mar 2010
16 - 12 win against Wallace High School
NEWS FROM THE SWIMMING POOL
11th Mar 2010
Water Polo, Inter-house Gala & Lifesaving
HOCKEY NEWS
10th Mar 2010
Shield semi-final win & selections for U15 Area Board Tournament
