The Geography Department
Geography is taught at Summer Fields in the knowledge that it is a subject which is increasing in relevance to everyday life and is consequently of interest to boys of Preparatory School age. There are a variety of topics covered, and the continual need to update and review them as the world changes can only capture the imagination. At each level, the boys are encouraged to think for themselves and solve problems using information, especially on maps, graphs and diagrams, displayed in textbooks, periodicals, videos, computer programmes and the atlas. Presentation and neatness is vital in this subject and it is stressed at all levels.
In the First Year the identity of Geography is established. The ideas of global location, regional similarities and disparities and man's interaction with his environment are introduced. Basic map-reading and the use of an atlas are carefully taught. In the following two years the work is divided between map-reading, global location (following the detailed Common Entrance syllabus), physical processes and meteorology. Practical work and field visits play an important role at this stage.
In the penultimate year the following topics are studied: meteorology, climate and vegetation, physical processes, hydrology and certain aspects of Urban Geography. Emphasis is placed on how man's life is affected by these. At the end of this year a fieldwork project is begun, usually concerning a local issue. Some of this work is continued in the summer holidays and it is finished in the first term of the final year. In the remainder of the final year O. S. map-work, industry, the use and misuse of natural resources (fuel & power) and recreation & leisure are the main topics in the build up to Common Entrance. The scholarship form follows the same syllabus as those who take Common Entrance, although there is a greater emphasis on environmental issues and current affairs. The scholars study topics to a greater depth.
Our scheme of work is designed within the framework of the National Curriculum, with success at scholarship and Common Entrance in mind. The key to successful teaching in this subject is to stimulate interest by providing a wide variety of tasks to perform: interpretation and production of maps and diagrams, interpretation of statistics and prose (comprehension), learning facts from notes, collecting information from secondary sources (internet, video, library, newspapers, etc.) and practical field-work. Each year group has a Fieldwork exercise to complete. At present these include a farm visit, microclimate in the school grounds, a study of the local shopping area and an in depth study of a local village. All of the boys also visit a power station at some stage in their final two years.