Geography

“The Geography department at Willington aims to stimulate pupils' interest in their own surroundings and the workings of the wider world.”

Geography is one of the most contemporary and diverse subjects taught on the curriculum and at Willington the boys are encouraged to express their views and opinions on a whole range of issues.

Through a balanced curriculum we investigate features of both the human and physical world and how they intertwine. Through our teaching we aim to highlight the important characteristics of the earth’s major physical systems and interdependence of people, places and environments.

From the Foundation Stage through to Common Entrance in Year 8 the emphasis is on enjoyable, fun learning. In Year 3, Geography is taught as part of a topic-based Humanities syllabus. Fundamentals such as Where in the world? and the diverse characteristics of places are covered. These ideas are further developed in Years 4 and 5, where specific topics related to the environment are examined.

In Years 6, 7 and 8 the syllabus is based on the requirements of the Common Entrance examination. Topics include Economic Activities, Tectonics, Geomorphological Processes, and Settlement. The structure and content may be more formal but the lessons are interactive and fast moving. Emphasis here is placed on group projects and research.

A major element running throughout Geography at Willington is the need to explore outside the classroom. From day trips to nearby Wimbledon Common for the Foundation Stage boys, to week long residential studies for Common Entrance students; the opportunity to study our world at close quarters is never too far away.