Humanities

Geography

There are 3 examination papers in the summer. Papers 1 and 2 are worth 37.5% each and Paper 3 is worth 25% of the total marks for the course. The examinations are:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 mins. The Physical Environment

Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 mins. The Human Environment

Paper 3 – 1 hour 30 mins. Fieldwork and UK Challenges


Revision:

There is a Geography revision booklet and unit summary sheets. These are issued by the class teacher.

All revision materials will also be available on Google Shared Drive (LINK)

A revision book – GCSE Geography Edexcel A - Revision Guide (CGP) and GCSE Geography Edexcel A - Exam Practice Workbook & Answers (CGP) can also be purchased through the Geography Department at a cost of £5 each.


Revision Schedule:

In terms of devising a revision schedule, students have already been advised to start reading their booklets on each topic, primarily to revisit case studies and geographical processes within material covered in Year 10 and 11. Cue cards and mind maps can be helpful revision aids to make at this point.


Once students are confident with the topic material, they should then progress to sample papers and exam questions which are available on the Google Classroom.


Revision sessions will take place before and after the February half term break after school. These sessions will focus on a different topic each session as well as cover exam technique and levelled marked questions.


History

There are two examination papers in the summer. Each paper is worth 50% of the total marks for the course.


Paper One Understanding The Modern World.

Section A: Period Studies - America 1920-1973 : Opportunity & Inequality.

Section B: Wider World Depth Studies- Conflict & Tension in Asia, 1950-1975


Paper Two Elizabethan England c.1568-1603 & Health & The People


Revision material:

  • There will be a History revision booklet issued to support the ‘Revision Guide’ sheets which are issued at the end of each key topic. Revision booklets are differentiated, with two levels available. All revision materials will also be available on Google Classroom, including additional Stretch and Challenge material.


  • A supporting AQA endorsed History Revision Guide, AQA GCSE (9-1) History My Revision Notes, tailored to the new specification, is available to purchase either via the School Gateway or direct from the department at a cost of £7.00.


Revision Schedule

In terms of devising a revision schedule/making revision aids, students are initially advised to start re-reading their ‘Revision Guide’ sheets , primarily to start familiarising themselves once again with the material covered in Year 10. Once students are confident with the ‘Revision Guide’ material, they should then progress to past papers/practice questions.

Revision & intervention sessions will commence later in the academic year, should the COVID situation allow it. Parents and students will be kept informed. Subject to going ahead, the sessions will focus on exam content, as well as specific exam skills, such as source analysis and how to answer key question types.



Religious Education

There are 2 examination papers; each paper is worth 50% of the total mark for the course.

The Specification is called ‘AQA Religious Studies A’.


Component 1 – The Study of Religions:

  • Christianity

  • Buddhism

The paper lasts 1hr 45mins and is worth 50% of the full GCSE


Component 2 – Thematic Studies:

Theme B: Religion and Life,

Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict,

Theme E: Religion Crime and Punishment and

Theme F: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice.

The Paper lasts 1hr 45mins and is worth 50% of the full GCSE


Revision:

There are numerous RE revision booklets and unit summary sheets from throughout the course. Students will also be provided with flash cards later on in the year. All revision materials will also be available on the School Network (LINK) and within google classrooms.


A useful revision guide to purchase from Amazon is AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Buddhism Revision Guide - but please see your teacher as not all of the content within the book is needed.


Revision Schedule

In terms of devising a revision schedule, students have already been advised to start reading their booklets on each topic, primarily to revisit key ideas and terms within the material covered in Year 9, 10 and 11. Cue cards and mind maps can be helpful revision aids to make at this point.

Teachers also have useful revision summary sheets to give out for students to fill in. Once students are confident with the topic material, they should then progress to past papers and exam questions. These can be found on the Google Classroom and online here: AQA (Exam Board)