S1 Earth Forces
In S1 pupils will learn about Earth Forces and our Hazardous World. Pupils will learn about the structure of the Earth and its characteristics, where they will also explore the role of tectonic plates and continental drift. This unit involves pupils learning about volcanoes and earthquakes with a particular focus on Yellowstone as a case study. Throughout this topic, pupils will use their decision making skills to consider how we plan for natural disasters and explore the impact they have on both people and the landscape.
S2 Map and Atlas Skills 
In this unit pupils are introduced to the geography of map making, where they will evaluate both political and relief maps. Pupils will also learn how to use an Atlas and explore the continents, oceans and flags of our World in more depth. This topic will also focus on location so that pupils develop confidence in giving basic directions from one point to another. To expand on this, pupils will familiarise themselves with common map symbols and learn how to give both four and six figure grid references. This topic will also develop pupils’ numeracy skills as they grasp the concept of both scale and height on Ordnance Survey maps.
S2 Wild Weather 
Weather and climate are becoming increasingly complicated and controversial issues. Today’s young people need to know and understand the weather and climate on this planet so they can make informed decisions as adults. In this unit pupils will explore the difference between the terms ‘weather’ and ‘climate’ and consider the impact of each of the seven weather elements. Pupils will learn how we measure the weather and they will have the opportunity to measure weather around the school grounds. This unit will provide pupils with the skills to prepare a weather forecast and interpret climate graphs. Finally, pupils will investigate the social, economic and environmental impacts of Hurricane Harvey – a recent case study.
S3 A Shrinking World
Scientists who assess the planets health see undeniable evidence that Earth has been getting warmer, in some cases rapidly. As the climate warms, how much, and how quickly, will Earth’s glaciers melt? In this unit pupils will learn about the physical and human causes of Climate Change, as well as the impacts on people and the environment in both developed and developing countries. Pupils will also get the opportunity to measure their own carbon footprint and carry out an environmental audit of Hillhead High School. This unit will also engage pupils with the strategies used to manage these impacts and pupils will in turn evaluate how effective these measures are with case study locations such as the Amazon Rainforest, Miami and Greenland. Pupils will also carry out an individual research project (AVU) as part of this unit.
S3 Scotland’s Story
Towering mountains, glittering lochs, thick woodland and miles upon miles of golden beaches – Scotland’s landscapes really do take your breath away! This unit seeks to expand pupils’ awareness of how Scotland was formed both physically and socially. Pupils will begin studying the geology of Scotland, investigating the different rock types that make up our landscape. They will also study the fossilisation of Scotland and pupils will have the opportunity to get up close to real life fossils in the classroom. This unit will also explore physical features, such as the formation of V-shaped valleys and rivers. Pupils will also explore Scottish culture and what the term ‘identity’ means to each person.
S3 The Geography of Food and Fashion
The World of Food and Fashion has become global. What we wear and what we eat is increasingly influenced by people living in all regions of our World. In this unit pupils will explore the term ‘globalisation’ as they consider how fast our World has become interconnected as a result of trade and cultural exchange. In this unit pupils will learn about the history of branding and how this impacts consumerism. Pupils will also learn about fair trade as they investigate sweatshops in developing countries. Pupils will then study animal rights as we learn about factory farming and the challenges we face in a hungry World.
