Staff members
Mrs M Hunter (Subject Lead)
Mr C McDonnell (AVP)
Mr N McClements (VP)
Through Geography we learn about the world around us. We study the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environment. Geography helps us to understand the processes of the physical features of our planet and be aware of how human interaction shapes and manages these environments.
Learning through geography whether it’s formally in the classroom or experientially through fieldwork, enables our students to gain a more hands on approach to the environment as they prepare to be responsible citizens who manage our world in the future. Our geographers at the Rainey are well equipped in terms of their skills, knowledge and understanding making them highly employable and in demand in the workplace.
A-LEVEL
Students follow a course in both physical and human geography as listed below:
AS 1: Physical Geography
- Fluvial Environments
- Ecosystems
- Atmosphere
AS 2: Human Geography
- Population
- Settlement
- Development
AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques in Geography
Fieldwork at AS level includes study of the sand dunes at Portstewart Strand
A2 1: Physical Processes, Landforms and Management
- Plate Tectonics- Theory and Outcomes
- Tropical Ecosystems- Nature and Sustainability
A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
- Issues in Ethnic Diversity
- Tourism
A2 3: Decision Making in Geography
GCSE LEVEL
In Year 11 and 12 the following topics are covered:
Year 11- Unit 1: Understanding Our Natural World (40%)
Theme A: River Environments
Theme B: Coastal Environments
Theme C: Our Changing Weather and Climate
Theme D: The Restless Earth
Year 12- Unit 2: Living in Our World (40%)
Theme A: Population and Migration
Theme B: Changing Urban Areas
Theme C: Contrasts in World Development
Theme D: Managing Our Environment
Year 12- Unit 3: Fieldwork
Pupils also carry out fieldwork to collect primary data from the River Roe and complete an investigation for this 1-hour paper, accounting for 20% of their grade.
KEY STAGE 3
In Key Stage 3 Rainey geographers learn about a variety of topics including Map Skills, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Tourism, Population and Migration, Transport, Renewable Energy, Geology and Development. All of these are taught with contemporary links to the world around us.