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Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT Head of Department: Mrs S Taylor The Geography Department at The Langton is well qualified, vibrant and demonstrates a commitment to the highest levels of teaching and learning. There are two well qualified full-time geographers, and two non-subject specialists who deliver the curriculum. Geography is taught throughout KS3 as an independent subject and in contrast to the national trend the take up of Geography at KS4 and 5 is relatively stable with about 150 students studying at KS4 and over 80 students at KS5. There are usually 3 teaching groups in each of the KS4 years and two each in Year 12 and Year 13. This year 46 students are studying the subject at AS and 39 at A2, which equates to an 80% retention rate from AS to A2. We have a reputation for delivering a strong performance in public examinations and for offering timely and successful intervention to support students’ learning. There is a strong commitment to the enquiry approach to learning and to fieldwork, consequently the students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills throughout all key stages. Teaching Geography dynamically with an emphasis on topicality is a key feature of the departmental teaching and learning strategy and for this reason the Edexcel B specification is followed at GCSE which provides an excellent foundation for the Edexcel GCE specification studied at A level. These specifications have a strong fieldwork and research focus which enhance the geographical experience for the student. We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic graduate with excellent subject knowledge, preferably with particular interest and expertise in physical geography. The teacher appointed will be someone who can communicate an enthusiasm for the subject to the students and who is a committed to innovation and to the further development of good practice in teaching Geography. The successful candidate will be able to develop the programme of fieldwork and extra -curricular visits offered by the department. A willingness to be to be trained as a minibus driver and to participate in visits to the school’s cottage in North Wales would be advantageous. This is a unique opportunity for a well-qualified and energetic teacher to develop his or her career in a supportive, professional and forward thinking school which has a national reputation for high academic standards and curriculum innovation. The Curriculum ‘There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, Geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable.’ Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society Those who study Geography acquire broad skills and experiences. Geography is a flexible subject and can be combined well with the sciences, humanities and creative subjects. GCSE At GCSE the core areas of study encompass both physical and human geography and include: tectonics, climate change, biodiversity, coastal change and conflict, globalisation, development and the changing economy of the UK. With comprehensive support from the department, GCSE students will undertake coastal fieldwork Year 10, and urban fieldwork in Y11 in preparation for the new style GCSE examinations. AS/A2 This contemporary course Geography course has been developed in consultation with the Geographical Association, Royal Geographical Society and leading HE institutions. Although desirable, it is not essential for A Level students to have studied GCSE Geography, as the department has an extremely successful record with students who are extending their GCSE studies and those who wish to return to the subject at this stage. Topics studied for the new A Level include: tectonic hazards, coastal and glaciated landscapes, globalisation, rebranding, superpowers, energy and water insecurity. They will also have to complete a fieldwork based individual investigation. Previously, during the summer term of Year 12 students are given the opportunity to participate in a week long residential fieldwork trip in the Cevennes region of Southern France. Every year many students reflect that it was this immersive experience that shaped and developed their interest in Geography, and for some it is the catalyst for their choosing to continue their studies at University. It is hoped that the new post holder will continue with this long standing tradition of offering residential fieldwork. After The Langton Many students go on to study Geography and related subjects at university, and the Geography department wants all of those studying Geography to explore the wide possibilities the subject has to offer. Students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular research projects: current projects include an ecology project with Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities, and a climate project with Nottingham University. There is an active Geography Society organising extra-curricular lectures, events, trips and research to extend the Geography provision beyond the A-level course. The nature of the discipline, combined with the training Geography students receive at university, makes graduate Geographers highly employable. Geography graduates go on to diverse careers, using direct geographical knowledge or transferable skills including: law, financial sector, marketing, industry, management, environmental consultancy, development, tourism, conservation, planning and academic research.