People think of Geography as the study of countries and capitals but the subject and curriculum studied by children today is far broader. From an early age they are taught to understand how in our multi-national world people, places and cultures vary from their own; how environments and ecosystems affect lifestyles and how globalisation and technological advances are changing our working, trading and leisure experiences.

Elements of physical, human, economic and social geography are all now incorporated into the syllabus from an early age as well as discussion about the need for stewardship and sustainable development to preserve our planet for future generations.

Although Geography is not one of the core subjects it is hugely cross-curricular, incorporating strands of Science, Maths, Literacy and ICT. It is instrumental in developing children’s thinking skills and critical analysis and through map reading, graphical representations and annotated diagrams, children’s spatial awareness and presentational skills are significantly enhanced.

Tower House Weather Station

A recent addition to the Department was the weather station which was set up in early September 2006 on a side roof of the school. Visible to boys in the playground, it has been automatically downloading and recording data and refreshing screens in the ICT room and on the school intranet every few minutes. The department is looking forward to completing the first full year of information collection. With data recorded year on year there will be increasing opportunities to compare annual results for the local area.

In addition a hand held weather tracker can monitor microclimates within school grounds and can be taken with the boys on fieldtrips.