“Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me geography is a great adventure with a purpose.”

~ Michael Palin

Vision & Aims

In the modern world so many of the current issues, both at a local and global scale, are geographical in nature. Our vision in the Department is to equip our pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play their part in a constantly changing world.

 Our overall aims are –

• To introduce pupils to a wide range of geographical concepts to develop their knowledge and understanding.
• To enable pupils to develop environmental awareness and appreciation of contemporary issues.
• To develop key geographical skills including fieldwork, mapskills and the processing, analysis and interpretation of data.
• To provide pupils with the opportunity to develop a sense of place.
• To inspire pupils to use their acquired knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world.

Magazine Articles

Banbridge Academy Magazine 2021-2022: Geography Article

Banbridge Academy Magazine 2022-2023: Geography Article

Key Stage 3

In Year 8 Geography is taught for 3 periods a week and includes fieldwork activities which develop the use of mapskills within the extensive school grounds.

In Year 9 Geography is taught for 2 periods a week. It includes a fieldtrip to observe and record coastal processes at Murlough Bay Nature Reserve Co Down and a Microclimate study within the school grounds. 

Year 9 Beach Survey in Murlough Bay, County Down

In Year 10 Geography is taught for 3 periods a week and includes a fieldtrip to Newcastle to observe and record Tourism provision in the town.

Year 10 Tourism Survey in Newcastle, County Down

GCSE Geography

GCSE Geography at Banbridge Academy is optional. The department follows the CCEA Geography specification.

There are 3 distinct units in GCSE geography;

Unit 1 – Understanding Our Natural World (40%)

• River Environments
• Coastal Environments
• Our Changing Weather and Climate
• The Restless Earth 

Unit 2 – Living In Our World (40%)

• Population and Migration
• Changing Urban Areas
• Contrasts in World Development
• Managing Our Environment

Unit 3 – Fieldwork Report (20%)

Students base their answers on their  knowledge and experience of fieldwork. Students must bring a fieldwork statement and table of data into the examination.

Year 12 students collecting field work data along the Rocky River, Mourne Mountains.

World Wide Quiz

Students under the age of 16 are given the opportunity to take part in the Geographical Association World Wise Quiz. This is where students from Northern Ireland come together at QUB, to represent their school and compete in the regional final of the quiz.

Year 12 GA quiz team 2015/2016

AS/A2 Level Geography

GCE Geography will appeal to students who enjoy investigating how their world works.  The qualification builds on knowledge and understanding gained in GCSE Geography. Students will acquire skills in the analysis, and interpretation of complex data and in justifying decisions. These are skills which are valued in further and higher education, as well as the workplace.

The new CCEA specifications are modular in structure (3 AS modules and 3 A2 modules). In both AS and A2 units, students will have the opportunity to study fundamental aspects of both Physical and Human Geography.

AS Geography

Through studying Geography at AS, students will have the opportunity to study…

Physical Geography (AS 1)

• Processes that Shape Fluvial Environments
• Global and Local Ecosystems
• Weather and Climate 

Human Geography (AS 2)

• Population
• Settlement
• Development

Fieldwork and Skills (AS 3)

Students are given the opportunity to take part in primary data collection on a geographical issue. In Banbridge Academy this involves data collection recorded during a residential fieldtrip to Magilligan Field Centre where data is recorded to observe sand dune succession at Umbra Nature Reserve.

Year 13 students undertake data collection along sand dunes in the Umbra Nature Reserve, County Londonderry.

Year 13 students undertake fieldwork preparation in the classroom at the Magilligan Field Centre, County Londonderry.

A2 Geography

Through studying Geography at A2, students will have the opportunity to study…

Physical Geography (A2 1)

• Plate Tectonics Theory and Outcomes
• Dynamic Coastal Environments

Human Geography (A2 2)

• Ethnic Diversity
• Tourism

Decision Making in Geography (A2 3)

Students develop decision making skills within a real world scenario. They will have the opportunity to identify and analyse appropriate material, examine conflicting values, and make and justify recommendations.