Geography

 GEOGRAPHY GCSE 


‘The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world.

It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it’

Sir David Attenborough


‘Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant, a great adventure with a purpose’

Michael Palin 

Introduction

The study of Geography leads to a greater understanding of the world in which we live. It is a subject for those with an enquiring mind who want to understand the present and future issues facing the human race and planet Earth. Geography offers students an investigative approach to learning and a chance to cover a variety of subjects ranging from oceanography to population analysis; an excellent subject to bridge the gap between the Sciences and Humanities. No matter what your future dream-job may be, Geography will always have a place. In an increasingly more environmentally conscious world, everyone from a builder to a politician must have a ‘green agenda’.


  Click pictures below to watch a video to find out more about Geography and to to read more about careers linked with this option.

Careers

GEOGRAPHY GCSE 


Transferable skills

Students who study Geography are highly in demand from employers. Geographers use and develop a wide range of transferable skills over the length of the course, including:


Course details


Unit 1 - Living with the Physical Environment – 1hr 30 written paper (35%)

Topics include: Natural Hazards (Weather and Tectonic, including Climate Change related Hazards), Ecosystems (within the UK, Tropical Rainforests and Hot Deserts), Landscapes of the UK (Geology, Topography, Rivers and Coasts) 


Unit 2 - Challenges of the Human World – 1hr 30 written paper (35%)

Topics include: Urban issues and Challenges (Urban Growth, Case Studies in two major world cities), Changing Economic World (Global Development and the Development Gap including a Case Study on one developing country, Economic History and Future of the UK), The Challenge of Resource Management (UK issues, Water Resources, Energy Resources, Food Resources)

The above units are examined through a mix of maths and map skills as well as extended paragraph and  essay style answers. 


Unit 3 - Geographical Applications – 1hr 15 written paper (30%) split into two parts:

A - Issues; and B - Fieldwork Questions 


SECTION A: Issue evaluation (from pre-released issue 12 weeks before exam) 30% written paper. 

This section examines critical thinking and problem solving as well as allowing the students to demonstrate their geographical skills by looking at (a) particular issue(s) derived from the specification using secondary sources. The issue will arise from any aspect of the compulsory sections of the subject content but they can analyse a geographical issue at a range of scales, consider and select a possible option in relation to the issue and justify their decision. The paper consists of extended answers and a decision making essay. 


SECTION B: Fieldwork questions, Skills – 1hr 15 written paper 

This section of paper 3 will ask candidates questions about their fieldwork activities as well as allow students to demonstrate their fieldwork skills by asking unfamiliar context questions. This section tests students ability to interpret field data and write short essays analysing their own fieldwork collection. 


Unit 4 - Geographic Skills

Geographical Skills will be assessed within units 1, 2 and 3. Students will be taught a range of Atlas, Graphical, Numerical, Statistical, Ordnance Survey and GIS skills during the course. 15% of their GCSE mark will be made up from questions testing these skills within papers 1, 2, and 3.


Fieldwork

Students will take part in two compulsory off-site field days during their GCSE. One will study and compare the need and success of urban renewal and regeneration projects. The other will be a physical study of the River Holford. The fieldwork pieces will be written up as class projects. 


Commitment

Geography is a literacy based subject that will require you to read, write in class (note taking and during tasks) and independently read around the subject. It demands evaluative and analytical assessment to be conveyed in essay formats. The exams are pacey, written at one mark a minute with 88 marks per paper. There is no coursework so this is a 100% written examination. Geographic skills (maths) will make up 15% of GCSE marks at Maths grade 5 equivalent. There are three written examination papers all of which are examined at the end of year 11. 


Exam Board: AQA

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content 


Contact details

Ms Bray