Geography
GEOGRAPHY AT NBHS
What is Geography?
- the study of the systems and processes involved in the world’s weather, mountains, seas, lakes, etc. and of the ways in which countries and people organise life within an area
physical geography is -
- the study of the natural features of the Earth, such as mountains and rivers
human geography is -
- the study of the cultural features of a place
(from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary)
Definitions of geography rarely do justice to the enormous breadth and depth that the subject has. Geography is everywhere, geography is everything and nobody in the world is unaffected by it. Traditional views that, as a subject taught in schools, it should be concerned with the naming of capes and bays and capital cities have been superseded by the need to help today’s children understand global problems
We at NBHS think teaching Geography should include worldwide concerns without ignoring the basics. Locations are important, especially with respect to Scotland, but they need to be used as a link to pressing geographical issues. It is important students know where the Western Isles are, what the various islands are called and why they are suffering from a declining population. It is also important that children know Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa, is suffering from desertification and undergoing, perhaps, the world’s first climate change civil war.
It is our aim to help students understand the global problems that will affect them throughout their lives such as migration, climate change, environmental sustainability and the global economy. Geography is ideally placed to do this as it borrows from, and contributes to, other subjects to increase childrens’ knowledge of the world. By giving our children a holistic view of their country, their global neighbours and the whole planet’s interconnectedness we will ensure the next generation grow up to be responsible and active citizens of the world.
Tern Around
Recently, two S1 Geography classes were involved in a collaborative project with Red Kite Animation Company, the Seabird Centre and primary schools across East Lothian. Tasked with creating short features to be included in a longer film about the migration of the Arctic Tern, the pupils responded with enthusiasm and creativity and produced some excellent work.
The finished film can now be viewed online by following the link to www.redkiteworkshops.co.uk/tern.html. Watch for the sections on Marine Pollution and Climate Change - the work of our own budding animators - and marvel at the imagination of our primary school children. Never has the migration of a single bird involved so much unncessary bloodshed.
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