Mrs H Purchase – Head of Geography.

Studying Geography at Bridgewater

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future”. Michael Palin

According to the Royal Geographic Society, Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.

Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography). Human geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, and physical geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of physical landscapes and the environment.

Here at Bridgewater we aim to promote an appreciation of the world in which we live through enjoyable and topical studies of Geographical issues.

The Bridgewater Geography Department organises a wide variety of field trips to enhance our students understanding of the topics studied in the classroom.

• Iceland – Studying the dramatic landscapes created on this volcanic island which sits astride the constructive plate boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. An experience of a lifetime!
• Buxton – Investigating the costs and benefits of tourism in the Peak District and a visit to the fantastic limestone formations of Poole’s Cavern.
• Formby – Measuring the changing characteristics of Formby’s sand dunes and the impact of visitors. Some lucky students may even spot some Red Squirrels!
• River Studies – Sketching and measuring river profiles in a variety of locations including at Afon Clywedog at Erddig in North Wales.
• Lake District – Developing understanding of the impact of tourism in a national park through the use of; questionnaires, OS maps, footpath erosion surveys, photograph interpretation, land use surveys, annotated field sketches, traffic and pedestrian counts.
• Manchester and Salford Quays – Studying the changing face of Manchester’s Central Business District and the success of Salford Quays as an area of Inner City regeneration.
  

Curriculum

Year 7 – Investigating the British Isles

• Maps of Britain & Map Reading
• British Weather & Climate
• Settlement Growth
• Investigating Coastlines
• The World of Work
• European Country Research & Presentations

Year 8 – European Issues

• Maps of Europe & European Climate
• Rivers & Flooding
• Energy Issues
• Ice & features of glaciation
• European Water Issues
• African Country Research & Presentations

Year 9 – Global Issues

• World Maps & World Climates
• Tectonic Hazards
• Global Tourism Issues
• Global Population Issues
• The Growth of MegaCities
• Research & presentation on States of the USA

Year 10 – Physical Geography for GCSE

• Plate Tectonics
• Rivers and Flooding
• Coastal Landscapes
• OS Map Reading

Year 11 – Human Geography

• Population Studies
• Urban Changes
• Tourism Issues
• Fieldwork Investigations

Year 12 – Physical and Human Geography

• River Studies & River Landscapes
• Population Issues & Policies
• Energy Issues & Policies
• Changing Coastal Landscapes

Year 13 – Physical and Human Geography

• Plate Tectonics
• Weather & Climate
• World Cities
• Contemporary Conflicts