Geography

Why study Geography?

Geography helps you to make sense of the world around you. It is hands on, it is relevant and it is fun! Geography is an academic subject which is highly regarded by universities and employers alike. The iGCSE course will give you the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world, and understand the social, economic and physical forces which shape and change it. Geography is a very practical subject with opportunities to learn new skills such as computer based mapping (called GIS), map skills, interpreting photographs, fieldwork skills, presenting, role play and debating techniques. You will improve your literacy through your report writing and written work and make practical use of your numeracy skills when you interpret data and construct graphs. Fieldwork, or working outside the classroom, is a really important part of geography. It is a brilliant opportunity to experience some of the things you have learnt about in class and there will be a Geography field trip in both Year 10 and in Year 11.

What will I study in Year 10?

Hazardous environments will involve the study of earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical storms. Students will understand that some places are more hazardous than others. The characteristics, distribution and measurement of different types of natural hazards will be explored Students will recognise that hazards have an impact on people and the environment. Earthquakes will be studied in depth through two case studies, and students will explore the need to be manage earthquakes carefully

Urban environments explores the increase in the number of people living in urban areas. Students will analyse the social and environmental challenges cities experience as a result of rapid growth and the impact this has on resources. Students will consider the different strategies that can be used to manage social, economic and environmental challenges in a sustainable manner

Coastal environments are explored in relation to the physical processes that create coastal landforms. Students will analyse the distinctive ecosystems that develop along particular stretches of coastline. Coastal environments will be recognised in terms of their importance to people and need to be sustainably managed.

In the Summer Term of Year 10 a physical geography fieldwork visit to Littlehampton is undertaken to assess coastal processes and management.

What will I study in Year 11?

Economic activity and energy considers the relative importance of different economic sectors and how the location of economic activity varies spatially, and changes over time. Students will analyse the growth and decline of different economic sectors and consider the associated range of impacts and resource issues. Students will explore the energy gap that countries experience, and consider how countries achieve energy security by developing a balanced energy mix and sustainable energy use.

In January of Year 11 a human geography fieldwork visit to Horsham is undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the transport strategy in the town centre.

Development and human welfare includes an analysis of how development is measured, and how it can be defined. Students will recognise that the level of development and human welfare varies globally and has had a range of consequences. Students will explore the range of sustainable strategies that are required to address uneven levels of development and human welfare.

In October 2026 there will be the opportunity to participate in a GCSE enrichment visit to Iceland. We will travel with Discover the World tour company, and spend three nights and four days exploring south-west Iceland.

How will I be assessed?

The iGCSE will be assessed in two examinations:

Paper 1: Physical Geography

Hazardous environments
Coastal environments
Coastal environments fieldwork

1 hour 10 minutes minutes exam, worth 40% of the iGCSE.

Paper 2: Human Geography

Economic activity and energy
Urban environments
Urban environments fieldwork
Development and human welfare

1 hour 45 minutes minutes exam, worth 60% of the iGCSE.

The Examination Board is Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and the specification number is 4GE1. You can see the full specification here .

What else should I know?

Geographers are good communicators; they are flexible thinkers and they are problem solvers.
Geographers are spatially aware; they are good team players and they are well-rounded.
Geographers are computer literate and they are socially, economically and environmentally aware.

If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mrs Nicky Edgar, Head of Geography, on ne@farlingtonschool.com

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