“The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It is about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” Barack Obama
Aims of the Department
We intend that boys should know where they are in the world and where they are at Caldicott in relation to Britain and to the surrounding settlements, including London as well as globally.
We intend that they should know about the physical geography around them, especially the weather and climate, while knowledge of topical issues such as flooding, traffic problems and the environment will help them to understand these issues in the news, and make sense of what is happening in the world they live in.
The Department aims to encourage all boys to:
- Develop a passion for the subject that will stay with them forever.
- Develop their geographical skill set.
- Develop geographical knowledge and understanding of patterns and processes.
- Begin to make geographical enquiry and use appropriate skills.
- Develop an understanding of places and the environment around them.
Why Study Geography?
We live in a world of amazing beauty, infinite complexity and rigorous challenges. Geography is the subject which opens the door to this dynamic world and prepares each one of us for the role of global citizen in the 21st century. Through studying geography, people of all ages begin to appreciate how places and landscapes are formed, how people and environments interact, what consequences arise from our everyday decisions, and what a diverse range of cultures and societies exist and interconnect. Geography is a subject which builds on young people’s own experiences, helping them to formulate questions, develop their intellectual skills and find answers to issues affecting their lives. It introduces them to distinctive investigative tools such as maps, fieldwork and the use of powerful digital communication technologies. It opens their eyes to the beauty and wonder around them and acts as a source of inspiration and creativity. More than this, it ensures that they appreciate the complexity of attitudes and values which shape the way we use and misuse the environment. Through geography, people learn to value and care for the planet and all its inhabitants.
Organisation and Content
Geography is taught throughout Caldicott from years 3 to 8 and is delivered by subject specialists. Our teaching methods encompass a wide variety of approaches including class discussions, debates, investigations, and fieldwork studies, aiming to give the boys the knowledge and the skill set to develop into independent, creative and socially responsible young men.
With the Burnham Beeches on our doorstep, Caldicott is in an excellent position from which we can easily access the great outdoors and learn about the physical landscape first-hand, and we aim to make the most of this resource at every opportunity. We are also blessed with extensive grounds that provide an excellent resource for study and lend themselves perfectly for OS mapwork, microclimate investigations and environmental impacts to name but a few.
Useful websites:
https://www.iseb.co.uk/getmedia/fe2b2539-4aa2-4236-9c08-8bf830ed11dc/Syllabus-CE-CASE-Geography.pdf.aspx
https://online.seterra.com/en