mayfield

Geography

Understanding the World. Shaping the Future. 

Geography helps us understand how people and environments shape one another, both locally and globally. At Mayfield, students explore contemporary issues such as climate change, resource management, urbanisation and global inequality through a range of engaging case studies and real-world examples. The subject encourages curiosity, critical thinking and informed decision-making, preparing students to participate confidently in an interconnected world.

The Curriculum

In the Lower School, students gain a broad introduction to physical and human geography while developing key geographical skills. At GCSE we follow the AQA specification, and at A Level we teach OCR.

Students explore:

  • Physical landscapes and natural processes
  • Population and settlement
  • Global development and inequality
  • Sustainability and environmental change
  • Climate and ecosystems
  • Contemporary global issues

Beyond the Classroom

Geography comes alive through exploration and discovery. Fieldwork is a defining feature of Geography at Mayfield, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-world environments. Through fieldwork, students develop skills in:

  • Data collection and analysis
  • Map reading and fieldwork techniques
  • Independent enquiry and investigation
  • Statistical analysis and evidence evaluation
  • Identifying geographical patterns and trends

In addition to annual fieldwork opportunities, the department offers international trips for students in Years 10–13 every two years.

Recent international trips have included
Iceland and ItalyThese visits enable students to experience geographical concepts first-hand, from dramatic physical landscapes to the challenges and opportunities facing different communities around the world.

Academic Success

Geography consistently achieves excellent results.

  • Typically more than 90% of GCSE students achieve grades 7–9
  • More than half of A Level students achieve A or A*
  • Students regularly progress to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities

Clubs & Societies

  • Mayfield's Environmental & Sustainability Society, known as MESSy, is a very popular club.
  • It is led by Sixth Form students
  • It has been active in promoting sustainable living, fundraising and improving the environment through activities such as beach clean-ups.

University Pathways

Students have gone on to study:

  • Geography
  • Environmental Science
  • Planning and Urban Development
  • International Development
  • Sustainability and Climate Studies
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences

Careers

Former Mayfield Geography students are working in:

  • Environmental consultancy
  • Sustainability conservation
  • International relations 
  • Urban planning
  • Business and government
  • Education.

Highlights

A Mayfield student was named Royal Geographical Society Young Geographer of the Year in 2023. 

Mayfield geographers regularly participate in challenges organised by the Royal Geographical Society, developing their research, critical thinking and presentation skills.


Head of Department

Mr Christopher 
Adams

Mr Adams has taught Geography since 1999 and joined Mayfield in 2022 after more than twenty years at The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells. With degrees in Geography and Environmental Management, he is passionate about helping students understand the complex relationship between people, places and the environment. He particularly enjoys fieldwork and inspiring students to explore the global challenges shaping our future.