Geography
GCSE Geography
The Value of Geography
In a rapidly changing world, studying GCSE Geography gives students a greater understanding of the many issues that will increasingly affect our everyday lives.
All of these issues and more are part of the WJEC GCSE course followed at Caerleon.
“The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” - Barack Obama
GCSE Geographers will be encouraged and supported to take a problem solving approach to all of the issues studied – and thus will be equipped with many of the skills that are hugely valued in the workplace.
As recently as 2016, Geography was described as the “must have A-Level” by The Guardian newspaper – the wide range of skills developed while studying Geography include:
Fieldwork Opportunities
The GCSE course requires a minimum of 2 pieces of fieldwork to be undertaken - these are taken locally and generally include 1 day in a river/coastal environment and 1 day in an urban environment.
We plan to offer the next cohort of GCSE students overseas fieldwork opportunities as soon as current restrictions allow. Recent visits have included Sicily, the Bay of Naples, Iceland and the west coast of the USA
Results
The department’s GCSE results are consistently good and in line with or above the school average. Students are supported and encouraged to achieve their potential throughout the course through a variety of teaching strategies and resources. Revision materials and lessons are provided by the department at strategic times and we were delighted with our 2019 cohort, 59% of whom achieved A* or A in Geography.
Past Geographers
Scott - Geography GCSE 2004 – Now Geography Teacher in Bristol “If you do decide you do Geography, I hope it will bring you as much joy as it has done for me.” Ffion - BA (Hons) Geography – “I’ve been able to develop my skills in academic, report and policy writing, giving presentations, carrying out research, using computer software, all of which are highly valued by employers.” Tara - Geography GCSE 2004 – Now Framework Environmental Advisor, Morgan Sindall assessing the environmental impacts of Dwr Cymru projects. David - GCSE Geography 2008 – Now Department for International Development leading support to Kygryzstan.
Video from geog