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The curriculum tries to cover the requirements of the Scottish 5-14 curriculum, bearing in mind the timetable allocation in each year, and also the requirements of the English/Welsh National Curriculum for key stages 2 and 3 (which have some bearing on the lead into GCSE courses in Shell and V Forms). The course is based on the learning of geographical skills appropriate to the age and ability of the class. One broad theme running through the curriculum is one of increasing scale: geography in a local area context in I Form, the geography of the UK in II Form, the geography of the British Isles in the context of Europe in III Form, and aspects of world geography in IV Form. Attempts are made to introduce an element of field work or educational visit where appropriate, and where the timetable allows.
The Lower School Curriculum is appended
Shell & V Form
The curriculum currently follows Edexcel GCSE Geography specification A (syllabus code 1312). This syllabus gives an all-round coverage of geographical themes. The syllabus allows for 25% of the marks for coursework (a geographical enquiry), and 75% of marks by two terminal examination papers, which are tiered. The Department tries to undertake field work whenever possible. Pupils are encouraged to subscribe to Wideworld magazine. The Middle School Curriculum is appended.
VI Form
Pupils who opt to study Geography in the Upper School follow either the SQA Int.2/Higher syllabus, or the Edexcel Advanced Level specification A, both taught over two years. A field course, organized and run by the Department, enables pupils to explore and develop themes discussed in the classroom. All LVI Geographers are taken on a week-long field course to Cumbria in March; in the past, additional field-work has been arranged to places like the Assynt area in NW Scotland. A-Level candidates subscribe to Geography Review magazine.
The field courses are being continually assessed and up-dated on a yearly basis.
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