The Geography Department of Spratton Hall aims to stimulate pupils’ interest in their own surroundings and in the workings of the wider world. Through a journey of discovery and as a balanced curriculum we investigate features of both the physical and human world and how they intertwine. An appreciation of the environment and how it can be managed is integral to the whole geography syllabus. Geography is unique in that it allows pupils to investigate a wide range of people, places and environments at different scales around the world.

In Year 3 geography is taught as part of an integrated humanities syllabus which is topic based. Fundamentals such as where we are in the world and how different places have different characteristics are covered.

Geography in Years 4 and 5 focuses on a number of topics investigating environments near and far. Such as the structure of Spratton village, investigating tropical rainforests and considering protection of the environment through fieldwork and individual research.

In Years 6, 7 and 8 the syllabus is based on the requirements of Common Entrance. Although the content is more formalised, lessons are fun and interactive using a variety of stimuli such as fieldwork, ICT, interactive software, group work and individual research. Topics include Tectonic Processes, Environmental Issues, Weather and Climate, Economic Activities and Geomorphological Processes.

Study outside the classroom is a key facet of Geography. Year 5 attend a residential fieldtrip in the National Forest and Year 7 attend a residential fieldtrip in the Peak District National Park. All year groups complete fieldwork in the local area. On top of this Year 8 complete a Fieldwork Enquiry based on individual research which forms a key part of their Common Entrance exam.

Geography is approached as a journey of discovery to find out how we influence and cope with our environment. Multi-media resources such as computers and audio-visual aids are employed to develop the pupils understanding of the subject. Local fieldwork is supplemented with study visits to specific locations in the United Kingdom. Visiting speakers are also invited to give talks on their specialist subjects.

By the time pupils leave Spratton Hall they should have an understanding of how their world works, an appreciation of the variety of environments around the earth and an understanding of how they can be sustained.