Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury
THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
Head of Department: Mrs S Taylor
The Geography Department at The Langton is well qualified, vibrant and demonstrates a
commitment to the highest levels of teaching and learning. There are three full-time geographers
one of whom is an Advanced Skills Teacher. Geography is taught throughout KS3 as an independent
subject and in contrast to the national trend the take up of Geography at KS4 and 5 is relatively
stable with about 120 students studying at KS4 and over 80 students at KS5. There are usually 3
teaching groups in each of the KS4 years and two each in Year 12 and Year 13. This year 43 students
are studying the subject at A2 and 42 at AS, with 38 planning to continue at A2 next year. We have a
reputation for delivering a strong performance in public examinations.
There is a strong commitment to the enquiry approach to learning and to fieldwork, consequently
the students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills throughout all key stages. In
addition to their regular lessons, Year 7 students also participate in ‘extended learning time’ on a
carousel basis.
Teaching Geography dynamically with an emphasis on topicality is a key feature of the departmental
teaching and learning strategy and for this reason the Edexcel Evolving Planet specification is
followed at GCSE which provides an excellent foundation for the Edexcel GCE specification studied at
AS and A2 level. These specifications have a strong fieldwork and research focus which enhance the
geographical experience for the student.
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic graduate with excellent subject knowledge, preferably
with particular interest and expertise in physical geography. The teacher appointed will be someone
who can communicate an enthusiasm for the subject to the students and who is a committed to
innovation and to the further development of good practice in teaching Geography. The successful
candidate will be able to develop the programme of fieldwork and extra -curricular visits offered by
the department, will be prepared to be trained as a minibus driver and would be willing to
participate in visits to the school’s cottage in North Wales
This is a unique opportunity for a well-qualified and energetic teacher to develop his or her career in
a supportive, professional and forward thinking school which has a national reputation for high
academic standards and curriculum innovation.
Geography
‘There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography. With growing interest in
issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion,
Geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also
highly employable.’ Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society
Those who study Geography acquire broad skills and experiences. Geography is a flexible subject and
can be combined well with the sciences, humanities and creative subjects.
GCSE
At GCSE the core areas of study encompass both physical and human geography and include:
tectonics, climate change, biodiversity, coastal change and conflict, globalisation, development and
the changing economy of the UK. With comprehensive support from the department, GCSE students
undertake coastal fieldwork in Year 10, which forms an extended report and comprises 25% of the
GCSE grade.
AS/A2
This contemporary course Geography course has been developed in consultation with the
Geographical Association, Royal Geographical Society and leading HE institutions.
Although desirable, it is not essential for AS students to have studied GCSE Geography, as the
department has an extremely successful record with students who are extending their GCSE studies
and those who wish to return to the subject at this stage. Topics studied at AS include: global
hazards (e.g. geophysical and hydrometeorlogical hazards, climate change), globalisation, coastal
processes and management (which involves fieldwork along the South Kent and East Sussex
coastline) and urban and rural rebranding.
During the summer term of Year 12 students are given the opportunity to participate in a week long
residential fieldwork trip in the Cevennes region of Southern France. Every year many students
reflect that it was this immersive experience that shaped and developed their interest in Geography,
and for some it is the catalyst for their choosing to continue their studies at University.
At A2 the students will develop an understanding of geographical concepts and processes within the
context of contemporary global issues, recognise the challenges of sustainability and the
implications for their own and others’ lives. Individual and group research is conducted for Unit 4
which is currently focused on the issue of food security. Other topics studied are: superpower
geographies, energy security, water conflicts, biodiversity under threat, the technological fix and
development.
After The Langton
Many students go on to study Geography and related subjects at university, and the Geography
department wants all of those studying Geography to explore the wide possibilities the subject has
to offer. Students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular research projects: current
projects include an ecology project with Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities, and a climate
project with Nottingham University.
There is an active Geography Society organising extra-curricular lectures, events, trips and research
to extend the Geography provision beyond the A-level course.
The nature of the discipline, combined with the training Geography students receive at university,
makes graduate Geographers highly employable. Geography graduates go on to diverse careers,
using direct geographical knowledge or transferable skills including: law, financial sector, marketing,
industry, management, environmental consultancy, development, tourism, conservation, planning
and academic research.