Junior School Geography

In Forms 1, 2, and 3 we study a broad range of topics including....

Population growth and population problems
Settlement - study of villages towns and cities
Industry - employment sectors and distribution of industries
Development - problems of the less developed world
Ecosystems - problems of drought and deforestation
Rivers and flooding
Earthquakes and volcanoes
Weather and extreme weather conditions

Form 1

In Form 1 most of our studies are based on our local area and Northern Ireland in general. We learn how to use Ordnance Survey maps and recognise geographical features using photographs and satellite images. We also do some fieldwork in our local area, looking at the make up of villages in East Antrim. We sometimes undertake a river study near the Giant's Causeway.

Form 2

In Form 2 most of our studies are based on the United Kingdom and Europe. We learn a lot about the climate of Europe and look very closely at the population and settlement patterns which can be observed. We study climatic hazards such as avalanches in the Alps and also the conservation and environmental protection issues faced by different countries in Europe.

Form 3

In Form 3 we study a number of global issues. We look at the problems faced by the rapidly growing cities of the less developed world as well as the problems caused by a lack of economic development. We consider the power of multi-national companies and how they affect the lives of ordinary people. We learn about global warming and climate change as well as the problems faced by tropical rainforest regions.

At the end of Form 3, our pupils have the choice of studying Geography, History or Home Economics at GCSE. In general about half the year group go on the study GCSE Geography, which means we usually have between sixty and eighty pupils in Forms 4 and 5. Class sizes can range from fifteen to twenty five and each class is taught by one teacher for the duration of the course.