Geography Geography Geography

Why Study Geography ?

At Beaulieu, Geography empowers students to understand the world they live in; its people, places, and the powerful processes that shape our planet. Our students explore everything from tectonic hazards to urban growth, from island ecosystems to global inequalities. They learn to question, investigate, analyse data, and make informed decisions about real-world issues. Geography nurtures curiosity about how the world works and gives students the confidence to interpret it with clarity and purpose.

Geography is also a uniquely future-focused subject. In a world facing climate change, rising sea levels, migration, and resource pressures, geographical understanding has never been more important. Students examine diverse cultures, economies, and environments, building empathy and a sense of responsibility for the global community. They develop practical skills, from map reading and GIS to fieldwork and statistical analysis, that prepare them not just for exams, but for life.

Whether students aspire to careers in environmental science, engineering, policymaking, international development, business, or education, studying Geography at Beaulieu equips them with the critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to shape a sustainable and connected future.

Year 7

Students begin their geographical journey by building strong core skills and global awareness, balancing world perspectives with an understanding of Jersey. They develop essential map skills, including atlas use, OS symbols, grid references and navigation. A European study explores cities, population change and sustainability, while an Oceania unit introduces tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and the impacts of climate change on Pacific nations. The year ends with a Jersey-focused fieldwork study of local landscapes, settlements and environmental challenges. By the end of Year 7, students can read maps confidently, analyse data and explain how global issues affect both distant places and their own island home.

Year 8

In Year 8, students deepen their global understanding through regional studies that develop comparison, analysis and evaluation skills. They begin with Russia, exploring its climate, resources, population patterns and geopolitical influence. An Asian unit examines population change, megacities, industrialisation and the role of transnational corporations. A thematic study of Africa focuses on major biomes, colonisation and contemporary environmental challenges such as desertification and resource exploitation. The year ends with coastal fieldwork in Jersey, investigating erosion, deposition, landforms and management strategies. By the end of Year 8, students understand global regions, economic change, environmental pressures and key fieldwork techniques.

Year 9-11: (GCSE)

Students follow the Edexcel IGCSE Geography course, developing strong analytical, decision-making and fieldwork skills. They begin with physical geography, studying tectonic hazards, climate change and coastal processes, applying real data and case studies. Human geography units explore rural and urban environments, economic development, population change and global challenges such as environmental degradation and resource pressures. A residential field trip to mainland UK strengthens their enquiry skills and deepens their understanding of geographical processes. By the end of Year 11, students can interpret complex information, evaluate global issues and confidently apply geographical concepts in preparation for A Level.

Year 12-13: (A Level)

In Years 12 and 13, students follow the Edexcel A Level Geography course, developing advanced analytical, evaluative and research skills. They study tectonic hazards, coastal systems, the water and carbon cycles, globalisation and regenerating places, linking physical processes to human impacts. Over the summer between Year 12 and 13, students complete their NEA: an independent fieldwork investigation on a topic of their choice. In Year 13, they explore Superpowers and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty, examining geopolitics, global influence and population movements. By the end of the course, students are confident, independent geographers ready for university and future pathways.