Settlement studies form part of the IGCSE curriculum and key to understanding it is the application of theory into practice.
An understanding of urban Geography as proposed by such reputable scholars like Burgess, von Thünen and Hoyt helps our students to formulate a knowledge of the growth and development of urban spaces.
Three teams of students were given a blank canvas and asked to plan their future cities, respecting these ideologies. The result was impressive; residential areas within reach of transport hubs as spotted by Hoyt; retail amenities positioned so as to maximise von Thünen's propositions of profit and spheres of influence; and industrial regions located so as to ensure worker access as theorized by Burgess; and perhaps most impressive of all, an understanding of modern day environmental care, central to the success of modern day urban centres.
It all paves the way for exam success and equally importantly, perhaps paves the way for some future careers in city design!
Mark Stimpson
Head of Geography / KS3 - IB Geography / 8MS Form Tutor