Geography

GEOGRAPHY                                                                     AQA           8035

Why study Geography?

Ever noticed how much Geography there is in the news? 

Geography is the study of real places and real people.  It investigates some of the major issues in the world today, such as climate change, water insecurity, economic inequality and threats to biodiversity. The GCSE Geography course takes a modern approach to classic themes such as coastal landscapes and urban change; topics examine spatial patterns, global connections and live debates that concern us all.  

Geography is a relevant, 21st Century subject which helps us to develop informed opinions and reasoned arguments, while broadening our numerical skills and use of data; all key traits valued by employers today. 

Why study Geography at AHS?

• Fun and exciting field trip 

• Lessons that challenge and make you think 

• A ‘facilitating’ subject valued by employers 

• Excellent resources to support your learning 

• Dynamic and relevant curriculum 

How is the course organised and assessed?

You will study six topics, three of which focus on Physical Geography and three on Human Geography. 

In Year 10, you will study: Urban Issues and Challenges, The Living World (rainforests and cold environments), Physical Landscapes of the UK (coasts and glaciers) and The Challenge of Resource Management (food, water and energy). 

In Year 11, you will study: The Challenge of Natural Hazards and The Changing Economic World.

You will also undertake two geographical enquiries (on a field trip). These enquiries will be assessed through the Geographical Applications paper, which requires you to write about these fieldwork experiences, demonstrate your geographical skills and evaluate a geographical issue (that you will have been briefed on the weeks before the exam). This paper is worth 30% of your GCSE. 

The field trip is an excellent opportunity for you to consolidate and extend your geographical understanding by relating learning to real experiences of the world.  This will involve three days away (within the UK) on a residential trip and the cost of this is likely to be in the region of £235; the school will provide financial support where necessary. 

We offer an optional residential trip to Iceland to experience the awe and wonder of the physical geography we study. All being well, we will look to make this an annual trip for any Year 10 student who has opted to take Geography at GCSE.  You will trek up a glacier, a volcano and experience the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon along with visiting many other fascinating sites such as Geysir and Gulfoss waterfall often voted in the top 10 most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

At the end of Year 11 you will sit three written exam papers; there is no non examined assessment (coursework project) in Geography. 

• Paper 1 Physical Geography                                  1 hour 30 mins (35%) 

• Paper 2 Human Geography                                    1 hour 30 mins (35%) 

• Paper 3 Geographical Applications              1 hour 30 mins (30%)

How can I find out more?

See Mrs Dixon (Acting Head of Geography), your Geography teacher or the Geography Subject Ambassadors. Have a look at the AQA website where you will find the specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035 

Although desirable, you do not need Geography GCSE to study Geography at A level at AHS, however you do need a humanity GCSE.