Geography

 # Inspiring Intellectually Independent Global Citizens

The aim of the Bulmershe Geography Department is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which prepares students to become both successful British and global citizens. In a time when so much of our political, economic and environmental decision making has a direct impact on real world places and the people and environments that share them, it is important for the next generation to be geographically literate. 

As a department we aim to develop natural curiosity, empower students to weigh up evidence surrounding some of the world’s biggest dilemmas and draw conclusions. Throughout the curriculum both numeracy and literacy skills are given importance and students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills alongside ‘real world maths’.

All Geography teachers have high expectations of their students and we are very proud of the success and high standards our students achieve. The Geography Department is also keen to keep changing and improving with new teaching practices and curriculum updates, making it an exciting and dynamic place for young people to learn.

What happens at KS3?

We have an engaging KS3 Geography curriculum giving students the chance to grapple with a range of human and physical geography topics. Students will gain a deep understanding of both their place and the lives of others from a range of places across the globe. This understanding is enhanced through fieldwork opportunities and a Geo Leaders Club (Please see below for a detailed topic plan).

KS3 Banding Criteria

If you child is in years 7-9, their report will be graded in bands. To understand the criteria behind these bands, please see the assessment document below:

Geography-KS3-Assessment-Criteria.pdf

What happens beyond KS3?

For GCSE we offer the EDUQAS Geography B GCSE course. As a course it offers students the chance to build on the content learnt at KS3 as well as further developing their geographical horizons. There is also a focus on fieldwork and problem solving, which enhances the student experience. Students tend to do well in their Geography GCSE with the number of students achieving top grades improving year on year over the last three years.

The GCSE course naturally is the building blocks for Geography A Level study, where we offer the AQA course. Performances on A Level courses are strong with many students going to university to study Geography and associated degree courses.

(Please see below for a detailed KS4 and KS5 topic plans)

KS4

Bulmershe’s GCSE Geography course offers students an engaging, real-world understanding of the world’s places, people, and environmental changes. Through three key components—geographical issues, problem-solving, and applied fieldwork—students explore local and global topics, from urban growth to environmental challenges. This course is ideal for students with an enquiring mind and builds essential skills that are highly valued by employers, making Geography one of the top subjects for career versatility. Students complete exams at the end of Year 11, setting a strong foundation for A-Levels and careers in fields like planning, conservation, and sustainable living.

Exam Board: EDUQAS

Find out more about our GCSE Geography Course: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/geography-gcse-a/#tab_keydocuments

KS5

Bulmershe’s Geography A-Level is ideal for students with a passion for global issues, combining human and physical geography in a balanced, holistic approach. Students explore topics like climate cycles, urban environments, and global governance through two major exams and a personal investigation project (NEA) based on fieldwork. Entry requires a Grade 5 in GCSE Geography and Level 5 or above in both Maths and English. With compulsory fieldwork and a 4,000-word project, this course equips students with practical research skills and prepares them for university geography and various career paths.

Exam Board: AQA

Find out more about our A-Level Geography Course: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/a-level/geography-7037/specification

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

After students have joined the Bulmershe Sixth Form, they may opt to do an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in addition to their A-Level subjects. The EPQ is a project carried out on a topic of your choice. At Bulmershe School the EPQ sits in the Humanities Faculty and directly supports the faculty vision of ‘inspiring intellectually independent global citizens’.

Find out more about the EPQ at Bulmershe

Opportunities beyond the classroom

Our extra-curricular programme is always being reviewed and updated. In the last few years we have offered: a focused Geo-leaders club; residential trip to Calshot; Marwell Zoo investigation; Rivers fieldwork and a Climate Conference whilst at the same time continuing to offer revision sessions. Ultimately, the Geography staff are very passionate about their subject and are dedicated to supporting your child with their learning and development.        

“Geography helps me to see things differently”

Teaching Team

Mr D Tomala, (Head of Humanities Faculty) dtomala@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk  

Mrs S Garrard (Joint Head of Geography) sgarrard@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk 

Mrs A Hoque (Joint Head of Geography) ahoque@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk 

Ms T Warner twarner@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Ms R Adams - radams@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Miss E Keenan - ekeenan@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Miss M Parmar - mparmar@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Further Information

If you have any further queries, please contact the Faculty Leader, Mr Tomala 
dtomala@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk