Geography Key Stage 4 and 5
IGCSE Geography
The syllabus for Geography is here. IGCSE Geography is taught in years 10 and 11. Students study a variety of human and physical topics. These include population , migration and natural hazards. Students take 2 exams and produce 1 piece of fieldwork for certification. The structure of the course allows a wide variety of skills and knowledge to be learnt. Students take 2 exams at the end of Yr11 to test their understanding of geography and undertake at least one piece of fieldwork to use different techniques to collect primary data. This material is then used to produce a controlled piece of coursework .
A level Geography
The syllabus for Geography is here. A level Geography is taught in years 12 and 13. Students take AS Geography in year 12 and are examined at the end of their first year. They study 3 human and 3 physical geography units. These include settlement, weather and hydrological processes. Students take an exam in each unit and this constitutes their AS grade. Most students then continue their geography studies into A2 and Yr13. Here, students study different human and physical units such as tropical rainforests and world tourism. They then take another 2 examinations linked to each part of geography and gain their full A level grade.
Geography is important to study because at IGCSE and A level because :
It helps us make sense of the world
Its hands on , relevant and interesting
It studies important issues such as global warming and population pressure
It helps students develop literacy, thinking skills and modern computer skills
It provides students with skills for life and the workplace