Geography
'Geography is all about the world in which we live and on which we depend. Landscapes, peoples, places and the fragile environment are all interwoven. Learning through Geography is a magnificent way of fostering environmental responsibility, sustainable development and cultural awareness.' (Royal Geographical Society)
In the Geography Department at JAGS our aim is to ensure that these principles are inherent in all the topics we cover. For example, Year 7 begin the year with a study of the cultural diversity of London. Year 8 investigate sustainable developments of the tropical rainforests during the Autumn Term and during the Spring Term Year 9 review the changing role of women in today's global society.
The Department is very well resourced. We have an extensive collection of videos, DVDs, slides and reference books. ICT is also a fundamental part of Geography teaching at JAGS. Girls are encouraged to apply their research and presentation skills when undertaking individual investigations. All girls gain experience of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Fieldwork is an integral part of the teaching at JAGS, from an investigation of microclimates in and around the school grounds undertaken by Year 7, to a GCSE day in London Docklands and a residential fieldtrip in Swansea for A Level. In 2007 the Department took a very successful residential trip to Iceland and we are planning an optional trip to Morocco for 6th Form Geographers in October 2008.
As school members of the Royal Geographical Society we encourage 6th Form Geographers to attend lectures and conferences, to further enhance their understanding of today's global issues. Recent events we have attended have included a climate change conference with guests including David Bellamy, the Africa in the 21st Century lecture with Bob Geldof and Kofi Annan and a lecture by Professor A Goudie of Oxford University on the impact of climate change.