  In
the constantly changing world of education in which we live, all departments, especially
those in the foundation subjects, need to not only ‘sell’ their subject to students,
but also politicians and policy makers alike.
However, the Geography Department at Scalby School believes that it can do more
than simply justify our subject’s place in the National Curriculum, rather, make
each and every student think long and hard regarding what gaps would be left in
their education by not studying Geography.
An historian might tell you that studying the past is the key to understanding the
present. Similarly, we believe that through the medium of Geography, studying the
present can influence the way in which young adults can change the future. In addition,
therefore, to the traditional Geographic subjects such as ‘Volcanoes’ and ‘Rivers’,
students who study Geography at Scalby School learn how to ask probing questions
and analyse potential solutions to modern day dilemmas such as global warming and
deforestation.
To gain these “Geographical Enquiry” skills our student’s acquisition of knowledge
can be summarised by the use of the following questioning words:
|
Questioning/Enquiry words |
Example |
|
What? |
What is Global Warming? |
|
Why?
|
Why does it take place? |
|
Where? |
Where does it take place? |
|
How? |
How can it be reduced or managed? |
|
Who?
|
Who will be affected? |
|
Which? |
Which countries contribute the most? |
|
When? |
When will it affect me? |
Geography at Scalby School, as elsewhere, is no longer simply a process of remembering
the names of Capital Cities. Rather, as in the example above, a process of studying
people, places, processes and the interaction of them all. In short, we believe
studying Geography at Scalby School equips our students with a sound knowledge and
understanding of the moral, social, cultural and political issues facing our world
today, from the view point of an informed Human, Physical and Environmental Geographer.
With this in mind and as a part of Scalby School’s ‘Technology College’ status,
the Geography Department wish to give its students, and their parents, the opportunity
to access advice and information that will help in the acquisition of the knowledge
and skills mentioned above. This online assistance will range from help with GCSE
Coursework, to providing useful Internet links for Year 7 homework.
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