Geography
Geography is a broad-based subject. It is inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who have the skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences.
At QE, boys are provided with an expansive geographical education that is up-to-date and relevant; they thus learn to recognise the value of Geography in tackling many of the challenges the world currently faces.
We aim to engender a spirit of enquiry, nurturing in pupils an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Earth’s physical and human environments, and the interrelationships between them. Geography thus teaches boys a particular way of viewing the world, enabling them to consider issues from a holistic perspective and to reflect upon their own place in society – on their values, their rights and their responsibilities towards other people and the environment.
In lessons, we foster higher-level thinking skills such as synthesis, analysis and critical evaluation. We make the criteria for success very clear, and boys are expected to undertake frequent self-assessment and assessment by their peers. A range of teaching methods is used, including debates, presentations, mystery tasks and group work. ICT is employed throughout teaching, including the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) such as Google Earth and ArcGIS.
Classroom learning is complemented by fieldtrips, which give pupils the opportunity to consolidate and extend their geographical understanding by relating their classroom learning to real-life experiences. In time, boys – particularly those who go on to study the subject at GCSE and A-level – become skilled at planning, undertaking and evaluating fieldwork. At A-level, fieldwork demands a high degree of responsibility from the pupils, which develops their independent research skills and report-writing.
QE geographers enjoy a very large number of extra-curricular opportunities. Fieldtrips include international visits, such as our annual tour for younger boys: destinations have included Iceland and Switzerland. Also for Years 7-9, there is the weekly GeoHeroes club as well as the lunchtime clinics providing additional academic support.
The Geography Sixth Form Society is frequently addressed by invited speakers from leading universities. Other Sixth Form opportunities include attendance at Royal Geographical Society lectures.
Competitions are a popular aspect of Geography at QE. Boys in Years 8-10 compete against other schools in the Geographical Association Worldwise Quiz. We also have a strong record in the Young Geographer of the Year Competition run by the Geographical Association.
Pupils applying to universities are offered visits, discussion seminars based on university-level reading materials, guidance on where to apply, assistance with personal statements and help in preparing for interviews.
Old Elizabethans: World expert on public safety
James Slessor’s early promise and all-round talent, evident during his time as School Captain, are being realised in his role leading Accenture’s Global Public Safety practice, focusing on policing, intelligence, justice, prisons and rehabilitation.
James (OE 1988-1995) took a first in Geography from the University of Bristol and joined Accenture in 1999. He has worked extensively across the UK Criminal Justice system and public safety agencies. He also advises on a number of Accenture’s public safety engagements across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, the US and Asia Pacific.
He enjoys travel and exploring – an interest that has seen him drive a tuk-tuk across India and climb a volcano in Sumatra.
Old Elizabethans: At the forefront in oil exploration
A successful Exploration Geoscientist with Shell, Nicholas Holgate also finds time to volunteer as a STEM Ambassador.
He developed an interest in geology whilst at QE and was encouraged by his teachers to explore the subject. Nicholas (OE 1995-2002) took an MSc in Geology at Bristol and an internship with Statoil in Norway before returning to education in 2009 to study for a PhD at Imperial College, London.
He has built his career with Shell, conducting frontier exploration through regional geological and geophysical studies to identify new petroleum-bearing acreage and guide future investment.
Since April 2016, Nicholas has been working with schools, colleges and employers to encourage young people to enjoy and pursue the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Lower School pupil: mapping the world’s issues
Divyam Shah finds Geography interesting and enjoyable in a number of ways. “It is so relevant to current times. In class, we talk about subjects as varied as HS2, Brexit, and outbreaks of cholera in Haiti.” He likes learning about and discussing the possible solutions available to contemporary issues. “My teachers have supported me a lot. In Year 7, I was in set 3, but by the start of Year 10, I had moved up to set 1 with the help of my Geography teachers.”
Outside the classroom, Divyam is a pupil librarian. He hopes one day to work in the financial sector. “I hope to study both Geography and Economics side-by-side at A-level. In my opinion, there’s a great deal of correlation between the two subjects.
Upper School pupil: helping redress inequality
“I particularly enjoy Geography because of the extraordinary range of topics we study and discuss,” says Vithusan Kuganathan. “The small class sizes here mean you get a lot of personalised help from the teacher, who gets to know you well.” With its coverage of the imminent threats his generation face and how these might be tackled, he has found Physical Geography “eye-opening”.
“In the module about Human Rights, gender inequality also really resonated with me, as members of my own family have been denied certain opportunities, such as a formal education, purely on the grounds of gender.” Vithusan has enjoyed the School’s Model UN club and has been looking into the Human Rights Society at Cambridge, where he hopes to study.
