Inside Kimbolton returns with another behind-the-scenes conversation, this time shining a spotlight on one of our academic departments at our Senior School – Geography! We caught up with our Head of Geography, Simon Wilson, to learn more about his vision, and why he has such a passion for his subject and passing his knowledge onto the younger generation of geographers here at Kimbolton.
We have also filmed Mr Wilson, so you can either watch his interview, or read it.
What drew you to Geography as a subject, and what inspired you to pursue teaching?
I was really inspired by having a great Geography teacher at school, and that’s probably what first sparked my passion for the subject. Geography was something that immediately stood out to me because it wasn’t just about sitting indoors and reading from a textbook.
I’ve never really been an indoors person, and Geography allowed me to get out and about and actually see what the subject was all about. It made learning feel real and relevant, rather than something abstract.
Geography is also a subject which is accessible to all. It genuinely is — what you put in is what you’ll get out.
How important is fieldwork in developing pupils’ understanding of Geography?
Fieldwork is absolutely essential for Geography. Geography, as I’ve already said, is not about what’s in the classroom — it’s what’s happening in the real world.
Probably our highlight was in October, when we took forty Sixth Form pupils to Iceland, up on the glaciers, looking at volcanic eruptions and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was fantastic.
We also do other, smaller trips — shopping centres, high streets, nature reserves — probably not quite as glamorous as the Iceland trip, but just as important.
What skills does Geography develop that are valuable for the future?
Geography has an enormous amount of skills, whether it’s reading, writing or presenting. The subject also facilitates itself in terms of physical Geography — looking at rivers and glaciers — and human Geography, including people and settlement.
Probably most importantly, it’s environmental Geography and sustainability. As you probably realise, sustainability is a real buzzword for future careers and the opportunities that are in the world today.
What advice would you give to pupils considering Geography at GCSE or A Level?
My advice for any pupil considering doing an exam in Geography, whether it’s GCSE or A Level, is just give it your best.
There will be topics that you find quite difficult, but that only lasts three or four weeks, and then you’ll be on to another topic, which I’m sure you’ll find interesting.
How do pupils progress through Geography at Kimbolton?
We have a Geography Learning Journey, and we’re very proud of it. It literally shows what a pupil does from the First Form all the way through to the Upper Sixth, with key concepts at the top and every single field trip that we do as well.
A pupil can see exactly what they’re doing and when they’re doing it.
What does being part of the Kimbolton community mean to you?
Being part of the Kimbolton community to me is really all-encompassing, and I think I speak for the whole department when I mention this.
We do sport, we do cricket, football, netball, ski trips and sports camps. We are fully, 100% involved — and of course, that’s exactly what we’d expect all our pupils to be.
