Senior School Geography Department

Geography is one of the subjects that Marlborough offers throughout the Prep School and Senior School and forms part of the Humanities department and is part of ‘Individuals and Societies’ (Group 3) option for the IB Diploma.

One of the benefits of Geography is its multi-disciplinary nature which examines, links and supports many concepts and ideas from other subject areas. The main aim of the department is to develop pupils’ skills such as critical thinking, data analysis and extended writing.  Whilst doing this it provides pupils with an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas.

The Geography course embodies global and international awareness in several distinct ways. It examines key global issues, such as poverty, sustainability and climate change. It considers examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from locally, here in Johor to regional to national and international.

The IGCSE and IB Geography syllabus enable pupils to:

• develop an understanding of the interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment
• develop a concern for human welfare and the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need for planning and sustainable management
• appreciate the relevance of geography in analysing contemporary issues and challenges, and develop a global perspective of diversity and change.

Throughout the courses, there is considerable flexibility in the choice of contemporary examples and case studies to ensure a highly appropriate way to meet the needs of all pupils, regardless of their precise geographical location or cultural background.

Although a small department of only two beaks, Geography classes are a hive of activity with debate, group work, presentation and fieldwork being common methods of learning. We have developed excellent links with Ecofieldtrips, who help deliver the IGCSE trip to Sendili Besar and the IB trip to Tioman Island.  The department is currently developing links with the local community to deliver the Shell course based on local geography, incorporating the human and physical impacts of developments such as Forest City and their impact on local communities such as Sungai Melayu.

Prep School Geography Department

Knowing where countries and oceans are on a map is important, but Geography is much more than the answers to trivia questions. Having the ability to geographically analyse allows us to understand the world in which we live. At Marlborough pupils develop an understanding of the interaction between the physical and human environment enabling them to become responsible citizens in an increasingly global society. Children are encouraged to use personal experiences to add interest and relevance to their work and become passionate investigators and explorers into how the world works and the impact humans are having on it.

In the Lower Prep we follow the National Curriculum, using the local environment to aid our learning wherever possible. Knowledge and understanding are developed alongside pupils’ thinking skills, allowing them to expand ideas and form opinions. We look to enhance their learning experience through the use of iPads and MacBooks in both lessons and homework. The Common Entrance syllabus informs much of the upper part of the school, and the emphasis is increasingly on analytical and processing skills. Pupils participate actively in their learning, and they are given opportunities to complete tasks in ways that suit their learning styles. The department encourages and supports the use of a range of technology for individual, group and class research.

“I enjoy studying Geography because it is really useful for me to learn and it can help me in the future” Sophie Schwalb, Year 7

“It fascinates me to know so many facts about the world. And it is really interesting to understand how things work around the world. Furthermore, Geography will definitely help me in the future.” Alton Wong, Year 8