HOLMEWOOD HOUSE - An independent preparatory school, for boys and girls aged 3-13 years, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Geography

The aim of geography at Holmewood is to stimulate children's interest in their surroundings and in the variety of physical and human conditions on the Earth's surface. As a result of their studies it is hoped that children will develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat.
In the Key Stage 1 the emphasis is very much on developing knowledge, skills and understanding relating to physical and human aspects of the children's own locality and the people who live there but also developing an awareness of the wider world too.

In Key Stage 2 the focus is on developing knowledge, skills and understanding relating to people, places and environments at different scales, in the United Kingdom and overseas. Emphasis is on the use and value of maps to provide a sound locational framework.

This part of the geography course provides the foundation for the Common Entrance syllabus which starts in Year 6 and continues through to the end of Year 8. Topics include Ordnance Survey work global location, a physical geography unit which incorporates weather and climate, geomorphological and tectonic processes and a human geography unit which looks at settlement, economic activities, environmental issues and energy resources. Case studies are used from both developed and developing countries to provide variety and balance, and to foster an appreciation of how people adapt to their environment, and the fact that some people have greater wealth and technical resources than others.

Fieldwork is an integral part of the subject throughout the school. Year 8 pupils carry out an extended geographical investigation in the local area which. for those doing Common Entrance, makes up 20% of their final exam mark.

It is hoped that pupils leave Holmewood with a solid foundation of geographical skills and knowledge and that their enjoyment of the subject may result in them wanting to pursue geography to GCSE and beyond at their senior schools.