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, and it can form part of the EBacc. The GCSE 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?
The challenge of natural hazards focuses upon the impact and responses to two contrasting earthquakes in countries with different levels of development. Tropical storms, extreme weather and climate change are all explored in relation to the challenges they currently present, and also will present in the future.
Urban issues and challenges includes an analysis of urbanisation with a specific focus on Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Urban challenges and opportunities in the UK are also considered by exploring Bristol. The issue of sustainable urban living is emphasised and a range of urban locations are explored to assess the opportunities for sustainability.
Physical landscapes in the UK will be explored through an analysis of UK river and coastal landscapes
In the Spring Term an enrichment visit is undertaken to Seaford Head and Birling Gap to assess a range of coastal management strategies. We also visit Cuckmere Haven and kayak on the River Cuckmere to view the river landscapes and processes from a unique perspective.
In the Summer Term of Year 10 a physical geography fieldwork visit to Littlehampton is undertaken to assess coastal processes and management.
The challenge of resource management considers the UK and global use of resources. There is a specific analysis of the management of water as a precious global resource.
In October 2024 there will be the opportunity to participate in a GCSE and A Level enrichment visit to Iceland. We will travel with Discover the World tour company, and spend three nights and four days exploring south-west Iceland.
What will I study in Year 11?
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.
The changing economic world will be explored which considers global variations in development, including an analysis of economic change in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Newly Emerging Economies (NEEs). Nigeria will be explored to analyse the factors influencing the country's economic development. There is also a focus on the changing economic situation in the UK.
The living world is analysed to enhance an understanding of ecosystems, with a specific reference to tropical rainforests and hot deserts. The challenges and opportunities of development in these two contrasting environments are assessed.
Issue evaluation preparation will commence in March, when the pre-release resources are available AQA. This allows careful scrutiny of the resources and preparation to evaluate the geographical issue that has been presented.
How will I be assessed?
The GCSE will be assessed in three examinations:
Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment
Challenge of natural hazards
The living world
Physical landscapes of the UK
90 minute exam, worth 35% of the GCSE.
Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment.
Urban issues and challenges
The changing economic world
The challenge of resource management
90 minute exam, worth 35% of the GCSE.
Paper 3: Geographical Applications
Issue evaluation
Fieldwork in familiar and unfamiliar environments
60 minute exam, worth 30% of the GCSE.
The Examination Board is AQA and the specification number is 8035. 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