Geography

Geography Curriculum Overview

Geography at PACA enables students to understand the world around them; its places, people, environments, and the powerful natural and human processes that shape them. Our curriculum helps students appreciate how connected we are to other countries, cultures and communities, encouraging them to recognise their role as informed and responsible global citizens.

Through the development of geographical knowledge, analytical skills and critical thinking, students learn to interpret spatial and numerical data, explain complex processes, and communicate their ideas clearly using precise geographical vocabulary.  As they progress, students apply their understanding to unfamiliar contexts, make synoptic links across topics, and evaluate different perspectives on global issues.

Key Stage 3

Year 7: Foundations in Geographical Understanding

Key Learning:

• Introduction to the concept of place and how places are shaped by physical and human processes
• Understanding global connections and how we interact with people and environments
• Beginning to analyse simple maps, photographs and data
• Developing early literacy and numeracy skills through geographical description and explanation

Skills Progression:

• Moving from basic descriptions to simple explanations
• Building foundational geographical vocabulary
• Beginning to consider how personal actions affect places and people elsewhere

Year 8: Deepening Understanding of Global Systems

Key Learning:

• Studying a wider range of global places and environments
• Learning how geographical processes (physical and human) interact to shape landscapes and societies
• Understanding development, inequality and global interdependence
• Analysing more complex spatial and numerical data to form deeper conclusions

Skills Progression:

• Expanding use of subject‑specific terminology
• Moving from explanation to analysis
• Applying knowledge to less familiar examples and case studies

Year 9: Applying Geographical Knowledge to Real‑World Issues

Key Learning:

• Exploring contemporary global challenges such as climate change, migration, resource use and urbanisation
• Applying geographical concepts to evaluate causes, consequences and possible solutions
• Developing critical thinking through decision‑making exercises and extended writing
• Strengthening ability to analyse a variety of data sources: maps, graphs, charts and GIS outputs

Skills Progression:

• Critically evaluating viewpoints and evidence
• Making synoptic links across physical and human geography
• Applying knowledge confidently to unfamiliar global contexts

Key Stage 4

Years 10 & 11: GCSE Geography

At GCSE, students deepen their understanding of geographical processes, global issues and environmental interactions. They build on KS3 foundations to interpret more sophisticated data, construct well‑reasoned arguments and evaluate different perspectives.

Key Learning Areas:

• Physical geography: coasts, rivers, hazards, ecosystems
• Human geography: urbanisation, economic development, resource management
• Geographical applications: decision‑making, fieldwork analysis, extended evaluation
• Interpreting and applying a wide range of spatial and numerical data

Skills Development:

• Using increasingly complex geographical models and concepts
• Moving from analysis to critical evaluation in extended responses
• Making strong synoptic links across units and themes
• Communicating ideas with clarity using a precise geographical vocabulary

The GCSE Geography specification is available here: GCSE Geography Specification Specification for first teaching in 2016

Beyond the Classroom

Fieldwork is a vital part of the Geography curriculum at PACA. It provides students with real‑world experience of geographical enquiry and helps them apply classroom learning to authentic environments.

Past fieldwork has included:

• Cuckmere Haven – investigating coastal processes and landscape change
• Brighton New England Quarter – exploring urban change and regeneration

These experiences develop students’ confidence, curiosity and analytical skills while enhancing their understanding of the world around them.

History

History Curriculum Overview

History at PACA helps students understand how people, events and ideas have shaped the world we live in. Through a rich and diverse curriculum, students learn to question evidence, evaluate interpretations and develop a deeper awareness of continuity, change, causation and significance across time.

Our curriculum builds historical knowledge chronologically and thematically through Key Stage 3, developing students’ ability to think critically, communicate clearly and make reasoned judgements. By Key Stage 4, students confidently engage with more complex historical debates, analyse a wide range of sources and interpretations, and apply sophisticated historical concepts to both familiar and unfamiliar periods.

Key Stage 3

Year 7: Building Historical Foundations

Key Learning:

• Understanding early migration and how it shaped Ancient Britain
• Exploring the Norman Conquest and its lasting impact
• Investigating life in the Middle Ages through sources and interpretations
• Assessing how Tudor monarchs transformed England
• Comparing female rulers to explore power and influence 

Skills Development:

• Significance: judging importance in early migration
• Causation: explaining reasons behind the Norman invasion
• Sources: evaluating evidence about medieval life
• Interpretations: analysing challenges to medieval kings
• Change & Continuity: charting Tudor reforms
• Similarity & Difference: comparing female rulers across periods

Year 8: Expanding Understanding of Britain and the Wider World

Key Learning:

• Tracing continuity and change in East Sussex since Roman Britain
• Studying the Industrial Revolution’s wide-ranging transformations
• Exploring Britain’s role in the Transatlantic slave trade
• Evaluating the British Empire through contrasting interpretations
• Understanding the impact of WW1 on ordinary lives
• Examining the significance of Black Britons in the fight for Civil Rights ]

Skills Development:

• Similarity & Difference: comparing East Sussex across eras
• Change & Continuity: understanding industrial transformation
• Sources: investigating slavery and enslaved experiences
• Interpretations: debating the British Empire
• Causation: explaining WW1’s social effects
• Significance: assessing contributions of Black Britons

Year 9: Confronting Global Conflict, Ideology & Modern Challenges

Key Learning:

• Understanding why revolution occurred in Russia
• Analysing Stalin’s transformation of the USSR
• Investigating how the Nazis gained power
• Assessing the impact of WW2 on ordinary people
• Exploring how music can illuminate Britain’s social history
• Studying the roots of conflict in the Middle East 

Skills Development:

• Sources: analysing evidence from revolutionary Russia
• Causation: explaining Stalin’s consolidation of power
• Extended Assessment Skills: applying all historical concepts to Germany, WW2, music and conflict
• Cross‑topic evaluation: linking ideology, society and global conflict

Key Stage 4 (GCSE History)

Year 10: Depth Studies & Thematic Understanding

Key Learning:

• Health and the People (Paper 2): exploring change and continuity in medicine from medieval to modern times
• Elizabethan England (Paper 2 & Paper 1): understanding Elizabethan society, government, religion and exploration
• Weimar and Nazi Germany (Paper 1): examining democracy, dictatorship and life under Nazi rule 

Skills Development:

• Using sources to understand medical and social change
• Evaluating interpretations of Elizabethan rule
• Applying concepts of significance, causation and change across periods
• Constructing analytical, evidence‑based written responses

Year 11: Modern Conflict & Exam Mastery

Key Learning:

• Korea and Vietnam (Paper 1): investigating Cold War conflict, ideology and consequences
• Revisiting key Paper 1 and Paper 2 units (Germany, Elizabeth, Health & the People)
• Final revision and exam preparation
  
  

Skills Development:

• Applying all historical concepts (causation, significance, change, interpretations, sources)
• Tackling extended exam questions with clear structure and rigour
• Evaluating conflicting viewpoints using detailed knowledge

The GCSE History specification is available here: GCSE History Specification Specification for first teaching in 2016

Beyond the Classroom

History learning at PACA is enriched by opportunities to explore the past beyond textbooks. Students engage with historical sites, artefacts, media and local history to deepen their understanding and make meaningful connections between the past and present.