Geography

"More than ever we need the geographers’ skills and foresight to help us learn about our planet — how we use it and how we abuse it" Michael Palin

The Craigholme Geography Department encourages pupils to develop an increased understanding of the environment, sustainability and the impact of global issues. Pupils develop a sense of responsible citizenship and are encouraged to reflect upon the impact of the environment on their health and wellbeing. Also, the practical and multidisciplinary nature of Geography helps to develop skills which are transferable to other areas of study, as well as those of the workplace.

What we study in Geography
In S1, pupils increase their geographical knowledge of Scotland and Glasgow, improving their Atlas map skills on the way. Later in the session, pupils contrast Scotland with an environment very different from their own, e.g. Kenya.

S2 pupils learn about the geographical events which are likely to dominate the news — earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis – and develop an understanding of the causes, consequences and limited solutions to these natural forces. S1 and S2 pupils acquire basic Information Literacy skills, such as note-taking and planning enquiries. The girls have opportunities to carry out their own investigations and present their findings to the class.

In S3 and S4, pupils at present are studying for their Standard Grade qualification. This course covers a wide range of core geography topics, and is excellent preparation for the Higher Geography course. August 2012 will see S3 begin the new National 5 qualification. 

In S5, the girls work towards success in Higher Geography. The combination of both Physical and Human Geography makes Higher Geography a popular qualification, and one in which Craigholme pupils perform well. The current pass rate for Higher Geography is 96%.

Advanced Higher Geography is excellent preparation for University. Much of the course is based on researching and presenting a 12 page discussion on a geographical issue and on completing an in-depth fieldwork report. A residential trip is offered to help with the acquisition of skills.

Beyond the classroom
Craigholme Geography Department fosters many lifelong skills through the opportunities it offers. These are open to all and encourage pupils to be good communicators; to be socially, economically and environmentally aware; to be problem solvers; good team players; computer literate; and well rounded, flexible thinkers. Here are some recent examples of the experiences our pupils have participated in:

♦ S3 Geography Field Trip to Arran    
♦ S1 Kenya Day
♦ Visit from Fair Trade speaker and subsequent Fair Trade sale
♦ S2 Visit to Edinburgh
♦ Glasgow Marshall Trust competition
♦ S4–S6 Trip to Vietnam                               
♦ Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
 
What our pupils say about Geography
"We really enjoy coming to Geography. The skills we use help us in everyday life, such as making a newsletter report on the Japanese earthquake. Activities like this help us with our note-taking skills which we can use in other subjects." Maryam and Millie (S2)

"I love Geography because I like the outdoors and I enjoy identifying what we have talked about in class. In Geography you get to discover how the land has been shaped over time; how we are affecting the world today, and how these problems could have serious consequences." Rowan (S5)

Meet the staff
Mrs Fielding (Head of Department) studied Geography at the University of Glasgow before completing her teaching qualification at the University of Edinburgh and Moray House College of Education. She worked in both the state and private sector before joining Craigholme in 1986 as Head of Geography.

Useful links
BBC Learning Zone                           BBC Weather 
Duke of Edinburgh's Award              Glasgow History 
Royal Geography Society                 Ordnance Survey