Teacher Blog: Focus on Geography

Geography at West Buckland School: From exploring local landscapes to debating global challenges!

Geography at West Buckland School isn’t just about exam results. It’s a journey that begins in Year 7 and continues throughout life at West Buckland School. From exploring local landscapes to debating global challenges, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and connect with the world around them. 

Our curriculum is designed to build confidence and curiosity, with opportunities for: 

• Fieldwork and outdoor learning from early years onwards 

• Collaborative projects that develop communication and leadership 

• Real-world applications that link classroom learning to global issues 

Whether it’s investigating river processes in Year 8 or analysing urban regeneration in Year 12, geography helps students develop a sense of place, purpose, and possibility. 

Inspiring a Love of Geography 

The Geography team is passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning and exploration. Through engaging lessons, thought-provoking discussions, and exciting enrichment opportunities, we aim to make geography relevant, dynamic, and empowering. 

We believe Geography is more than a subject, it is a way of seeing the world. Our teaching encourages students to: 

• Explore diverse perspectives 

• Understand the interconnectedness of human and physical systems 

• Develop resilience and confidence in tackling complex issues 

Geography Results & Reflections: 2025 

As we wrap up another academic year, it’s a perfect moment to celebrate the achievements of our geography students and the vibrant culture of curiosity and exploration that defines our department. 

A-Level Excellence 

This year’s A-level results are a testament to the dedication of our students and staff: 

• 100% achieved grades A*–C 

• 88% achieved A*–B 

• 47% achieved A*–A 

• 29% achieved A* 

These results continue a 20-year trend of excellence, with the A*–B rate consistently around 90%. Geography remains a subject where students often exceed expectations, especially when compared to their overall GCSE performance. 

GCSE Highlights 

At GCSE, our students also performed exceptionally: 

• 41% achieved grades 9–8 

• 54% achieved grades 9–7 

• 85% achieved grades 9–5 

The proportion of students achieving top grades in geography is consistently higher than the school average, reflecting the subject’s appeal and the strength of teaching across all key stages. 

Geography Alumni: OWBA Making Their Mark 

We are incredibly proud of our former students who have gone on to study geography and related fields at top universities: 

• Erin Gardner (2025, Head of School) – Sustainable Development, University of Edinburgh

• Zoe Oxenham (2025) – Geography, University of Exeter 

• Ruby Tovell (2025) – Geology and Earth Science, University of Bristol 

• James Blackie (2024) – Geology, University of Birmingham 

• Lottie Chesworth (2024) – Marine Biology, University of Southampton 

• Luke Pearce (2023) – Environmental Geography, Cardiff University 

• Jono Williams (2023, Head of School) – International Relations and Conflict Studies, Queen’s University Belfast

Their success reflects the breadth of opportunities geography offers, from sustainability and marine science to international relations and geology. 

Student Spotlight: Charlotte Richardson 

Year 11 student Charlotte Richardson recently completed a work experience week with the Sanibel and Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in Florida. Her experience included: 

• Surveying native plants using quadrats 

• Conducting marine lab research using dissolved oxygen kits 

• Presenting findings in a collaborative poster session 

Charlotte’s story is a brilliant example of how geography opens doors to real-world exploration and scientific inquiry. 

Meet the Team 

Our department is led by a team of passionate educators: 

• Ms. Wadey – Head of Department & Sustainability Teacher
  Favourite topics: Natural hazards and management
  Favourite books: The Cure for Catastrophe by Robert Muir-Wood, Mountains of Fire by Clive Oppenheimer 

• Mr. Hymer – Former Head of Department and Deputy Head
  Favourite topics: Human and economic geography
  Favourite book: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond 

• Mr. Brimson – Former Head of Department, now Deputy Head Academic
  Favourite topics: Connectivity between human and physical geography; political geography
  Favourite book: Origins: How the Earth Shaped Human History by Lewis Dartnell