What Our Subject is About
The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together. (Barack Obama)
Geography is an inter-disciplinary subject that involves a critical analysis of the world around us. With the growing awareness of environmental issues and their effects on society, the study of Geography trains students to think across the different disciplines and sets them in good stead for further studies. More than just content for the A level examinations, the Geography Department focuses on training our students to see beyond the silos of Physical and Human Geography and emphasizes the importance of using a scientific and sociological lens to analyse current issues. To do so, our teachers focus on equipping students with strong analytical and essay writing skills to bring across their ideas in a convincing and logical manner.
What We Do To Develop Students' Interest/Abilities
Within the school, the department organises field trips to put in practice geographical skills required for the Geographical Investigation component of the A level syllabus. Students are also given the opportunity to attend talks by university professors and business practitioners about sustainable development in conjunction with other enrichment programmes. The department also works with the Curriculum Planning and Development Division in MOE to put forth programmes such as NUS Student Seminars for H3 Geography and the Geography Talent Development Programme, which feeds into the International Geography Olympiad competition.
What Our Students Say
"Fundamentally, the study of Geography itself is beautiful in so many ways as it encourages us to think deeply about current issues in the world and apply a uniquely geographical lens. But over the course of the year, what now interests me the most are the synoptic links between ideas and concepts, even when we are doing our daily reading. It’s truly my favourite subject, and one which is so underrated!"
(Y5 Geog student, 21S03B)
"I love geography as a discipline and I think it informs and relates to the issues and crises that define our time. I think it’s super important in helping us understand and appreciate our natural environment more, and helps to expose students to politics and interdisciplinary thinking."
(Y5 Geog student, 21S07B)