Mrs Stevens talks about the benefits of Geography at Blackheath High School.

How long have you been teaching Geography at Blackheath High School?

This is my 13th Year at Blackheath High School.

Can you tell us about your background?

My career as a Geography teacher started 17 years ago. I have been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme for the majority of my career. I even met Prince Phillip at St James’ Palace two years ago to help with the distribution of Gold Awards to some of our alumnae! I am currently Head of Geography, Silver Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and the Education Visits Coordinator.

What is covered in Geography? What are your students working on at the moment?

We pride ourselves on studying a wide range of topics in Geography, with a balance of physical and human Geography. In Key Stage 3, we introduce concepts through the study of contrasting continents. Year 7 are currently studying Africa whilst Year 8 are closer to home, studying Europe. Our Year 9s are embarking on the start of the GCSE syllabus with a focus on Urbanisation.

Is it a popular choice of subject?

Yes, at both GCSE and A Level. We usually have students continuing to study Geography at university every year. Elizabeth, one of our alumnae returns every year to speak at the cultural evening.

What are the benefits of studying this subject?

According to the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa), Geography graduates are among the most likely to be employed. More than 90 per cent are in work or further study within six months of graduating. This is due to their combination of transferrable skills including problem-solving and critical thinking. But beyond this, we hope students gain a greater appreciation of the world around them and the positive and negative impact we are having on it.

What are the benefits of studying at Blackheath High School? What is unique about here?

Miss Hickman and I collaborate with all KS3 and 4 lesson planning. We use Firefly extensively for our lesson delivery and assessment. Students appreciate how they can access all their lesson materials remotely and interactively. We constantly strive to keep our subject contemporary. We are currently planning a new Year 8 Scheme of Work on ‘plastic pollution’, for example one lesson will explore ocean currents through the journey of 29,000 rubber ducks. 

We try and utilise our excellent location in our teaching, for example studying ecosystems in Oxleas Woods, river studies on the Thames and we also have excellent links with QMUL university and the local Geographical Association which supports our KS5 students.

Is there a particular aspect of the course that students tend to enjoy?

It seems our students love the lessons that involve food! Recently Year 8 made delicious pizzas in the kitchen to help appreciate the idea of ‘food miles’ and the wider implications of the food industry. Last week Year 9 used smarties to replicate population cohorts and how different events can alter the birth rate, death rate and the total population of a country.

Many of our interactive lessons can be seen on our Twitter and Instagram pages at #BHSGEOGRAPHY.