A leading boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 12-18 in Perthshire, Scotland
Geography is concerned with the interplay between the natural systems that govern the planet and the human race. Its scope is necessarily vast and, in being so, it is a subject rich in colour, diversity, range and content. The Geographer must be able nimbly to link data, ideas and concepts across varying temporal and spatial scales. Observation, critical analysis and evaluative reflection are essential skills that are actively developed at all levels of the subject.
The Geography Staff are committed to the development of sound thinking and critical enquiry amongst its pupils. The departmental approach is focused upon investigative and enquiry-driven learning in which the pupils enjoy the excitement of intellectual discovery in an atmosphere of rigorous academic challenge and the pursuit of the highest standards. We regard fieldwork to be a central aspect of all geographical study and, as such, we take every opportunity to use the unique physical environment around Glenalmond College and beyond to further our subject.
Geography is a very popular and successful department and it prides itself on the great efforts it makes on behalf of its pupils. Superb examination results (for example, 74.1% of all pupils entered for GCSE Geography attained A*/A grades in 2011) are a clear testament to the drive, ambition and dedication to excellence in the department.
Recent developments include the establishment of the Geography Research and Study area for Sixth Form pupils. We have also recently introduced GeographyExtra; an online learning facility, that provides links to academic journals, learned periodicals and professional Geographers- all designed to develop the breadth and depth of the independent learning of pupils pursuing Geography at Glenalmond College (http://twitter.com/#!/GeographyExtra). With a similar focus, we are developing links with external organisations to continually expand and challenge our pupils' geographical understanding. A range of speakers from academic institutions visit the department and introduce front line research to older pupils, particularly for those with an interest in pursuing Geography at undergraduate level. We are also looking to submit a range of entries from younger pupils for the upcoming 'Young Geographer of the Year' competition held by the Royal Geographical Society.
The Staff
Matt Gibson BSc, PhD Edinburgh, PGCE, FRGS (Head of Geography)
Gilly Hamilton BSc , PhD London
Conor Swaile MA Dundee, PGCE
Maria Trygger BA, PGCE
The AQA A Level syllabus is followed owing to its excellent and expansive coverage of contemporary and conceptually challenging issues. Fieldwork takes place along the River Almond in the Michaelmas Term.
A2 Topics: Development and Globalisation, World Cities, Ecosystems, Tectonics, Geographical Field Investigation
AS Topics: Population, Health Issues, Desert Environments, Rivers, Geographical Field Investigation
The AQA Geography (Spec A) course is followed. The course content is broad and colourful and links to a wide range of issues, theoretical concepts and case studies. Fieldwork takes place at Tentsmuir, Fife in the Trinity Term.
Fifth Form Topics: Changing Urban Environments, Tourism, Population, Controlled Assessment
Fourth Form Topics: Tectonics, Ecosystems, Coasts
The syllabus is designed to challenge and to stimulate intellectual engagement by introducing big concepts and ideas to the Third Form pupils. Technical field skills and geographical communication are also focused upon in order to have a broad skill base before entry into the GCSE course. Fieldwork takes place in the Trinity Term at Broadmeadows, Fife.
Third Form Topics: International Development and Globalisation, Tourism, Geographical Field Investigation
The Second Form syllabus provides a strong foundation in all aspects of Geography and its principal goal is to develop a high level of enjoyment in the subject.
Second Form Topics: Geographical Skills, Weather, Climate and the Biosphere, Geographical Field Investigation
Contact
Email: mattgibson@glenalmondcollege.co.uk
Telephone (direct): 01738 842017
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