GEOGRAPHY AT OUNSDALE
This vacancy offers exciting opportunities for a well-qualified Geography teacher seeking to be part of a vibrant
Humanities Faculty. The Faculty which consists of the specialist curriculum areas of History, Geography and RE
is forward-thinking, having successfully introduced new programmes of study and a range of detailed, integrated
schemes of learning, built around developing transferable skills. This is an ongoing project with the development
of new schemes and regular updating of those in place to embed assessment for learning.
Personnel
The Faculty for Humanities and Enquiry currently has 7 full-time members of staff and one part time offering a
broad range of experiences and teaching styles which results in a supportive, co-operative ethos. Standards of
discipline are high, as are teachers' expectations of students. The department has a rigorous, questioning
approach to the curriculum it offers, with both formal and informal sharing of good practice. A collegiate approach
to curriculum development is encouraged; consequently there is much enthusiasm for developing new initiatives.
Resources
Teaching is conducted in seven main rooms which are situated near two office spaces where texts and resources
are stored. Support materials for Geography schemes of work are located in the Faculty area and on the school’s
VLE. There are data projectors in every room with all having speaker systems. The school has bookable ICT
suites with thirty-four computers readily available for Geography staff.
Courses
At Key Stage 3, students who join the school in Year 7 follow an integrated Humanities course with one teacher
from the Faculty that covers content from History, Geography and RE as well encouraging the development of
transferable humanities skills. In Years 8 and 9 students the study the three subjects of History, Geography and
RE separately. We are at the early stages of revamping our Key Stage 3 curriculum and would welcome any
ideas that the successful candidate may have.
At Key Stage 4 students study the OCR Geography B syllabus. Fieldwork is currently a visit to Carding Mill Valley
to study rivers. Geography usually recruits well, with 3 classes in year 10 and 11.
At Key Stage 5 A Level Geography is offered, with students following the AQA course. A residential fieldwork is
undertaken where students study coastlines in Somerset. There is also fieldwork closer to home, where students
compare development in Ludlow and Birmingham. There will be plenty of opportunity for the successful candidate
to teach A Level.
Examination Results
In 2013 65% of students achieved 5+ A*-C grades including English and Maths.
At GCSE the A* - C pass rate last year was 67% in Geography.
At A2 level we have a 100% pass rate in Geography.
A number of strategies are used to improve performance including:
 Systematic analysis of exam scripts to identify strengths and weaknesses and inform teaching and
learning



Systematic tracking of underperforming students and intervention at Classroom Teacher/ Subject
Leader/Year Group Leader level
Underachievement intervention and mentoring programmes
Controlled Assessment/examination re-sit and revision classes
Teaching
Students are taught Geography in mixed ability form groups throughout KS3 and there is a strong emphasis on
differentiation to facilitate focused teaching aimed at meeting the needs of all pupils. Assessment forms an
integral part of the teaching process and clear, achievable targets are set to ensure pupils know how to improve
the standard of their work. Marking plays a key role within the Faculty as a means to enable staff to track student
understanding and progress and students are encouraged to reflect and engage with the feedback given.
Extra-Curricular Activities
This is an area that we are currently seeking to develop in Geography. In the past a GeoArt Club was well
attended by Key Stage 3 students. Fieldwork is established at Key Stage 4 and 5, with plans to extend this to Key
Stage 3. We are also looking into running an overseas visit at Key Stage 4 visit, with Spain the most likely
destination. The successful candidate will be heavily involved in the development of these opportunities.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the Head of Faculty, Ashley Weatherhogg on
weatherhoggA@ounsdale.staffs.sch.uk