Geography

Introduction 

Geography is a dynamic subject that helps pupils understand the fast‑changing world around them. It explores the relationships between people and their environments, enabling pupils to make sense of an interconnected and interdependent global society.  

At St Albans School, the Geography Department aims to foster intellectual curiosity and equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to engage critically with real-world issues.  

Lower School 

Pupils are given a firm foundation in both Physical and Human Geography, with a strong emphasis on building skills. We aim to empower our pupils as independent thinkers, with an empathetic appreciation of differing attitudes, values and cultural identities, as well as an appreciation for the environment. We use the concept of geographical enquiry to provide our pupils with a sense of place, as well as the thinking skills to make informed and reasoned decisions. The emphasis is on equipping pupils with the tools to understand the human and physical environments within which they live, whilst applying a critical eye to a range of social, political, economic and environmental issues.  

In First Form pupils study the topics of energy, settlement, weather through local environments and Antarctica, including an independent project on plastic pollution.  

In Second Form pupils study tropical rainforests, extreme environments, sense of place and geopolitical conflicts, alongside a creative project on sustainable technologies. Alongside their study in classrooms Second Form pupils enjoy the opportunity to travel to Kew Gardens for a day of fieldwork. 

Third Form 

The Third Form is designed as a bridge to the IGCSE firstly covering globalisation and migration, coastal environments, the impact of climate change and a focus on global tourism. In the Third Form, students are exposed to the format of IGCSE assessment styles and build the transferrable skills that provide a basis for future success, both within Geography and across disciplines. 

GCSE (Middle School) 

Pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE (9–1) Geography specification (4GE1). The course includes physical, human, environmental and economic Geography, as well as cartographical and graphical skills. Pupils sit two examinations and organise their learning through both digital and written formats. Pupils will study the physical geography topics of River and Hazards Environments, the human geography topics of Urban Environments and Economic Activity and Energy alongside the environmental geography topic of Fragile Environments and Climate Change. This provides pupils with a strong understanding of key geographical processes and contemporary global issues, whilst developing the analytical and evaluative skills needed for further academic study. 

As part of the IGCSE course all pupils attend two one-day fieldtrips to explore rivers and changing urban areas. 

A Level (Sixth Form) 

Pupils study the Cambridge International AS & A Level Geography (9696). Lower Sixth focuses on core physical and human Geography, studying the following topics: 

• Hydrology, river processes and hazards 
• Atmospheric processes and global climate change 
• Earth processes and mass movement 
• Population and migration 
• Water resources and management 
• Urban areas and management 
• In Upper Sixth pupils study the advanced geography topics including: 
• Coastal Environments 
• Hazardous Environments 
• Trade, aid and tourism 
• Disease and geography 

In Upper Sixth pupils attend a three day residential fieldtrip to Slapton Ley in Devon to explore the coastal environment and the complex interactions of people and nature in managing a fragile coastal ecosystem. 

The Cambridge International A Level Geography specification develops pupils’ ability to think critically about complex global issues, apply advanced analytical skills, and engage with real-world case studies, providing an excellent foundation for university study and a wide range of future careers. 

Co-Curricular/Trips/Competitions/Societies 

The Geography department offers a vibrant co-curricular programme through the Whitaker Geographical Society, with opportunities for pupils across all year groups to engage with Geography beyond the classroom. Junior Geominds runs weekly for First to Third Form pupils, encouraging exploration of geographical themes in creative and interactive ways. Upper Sixth pupils take on leadership roles within the society, organising a range of annual events including the Geography Quiz, a lecture series featuring visiting speakers, trips to the Royal Geographical Society, and the production of an annual geographical publication. 

Fieldwork is central to Geography at St Albans. In addition to the field trips outlined above, the department also runs a biennial Sixth Form enrichment trip to an international destination. Previous visits have included the USA, the Azores and Morocco, with the next trip planned for Iceland in October 2027. 

University & Careers 

Pupils progress to top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Durham. Geography supports a wide range of careers in environmental management, urban planning, business, international relations, data analysis and education. As a subject that develops a broad range of transferable skills, Geography enables pupils to pursue a wide var