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"When it came to picking my options in year 9, Geography was an obvious choice for me. I have always enjoyed learning about the world around me; once I started doing GCSE Geography, this was explored in much more detail. I have always been interested in physical geography, especially different ecosystems and distinctive landscapes. As the course progressed, it has been great to see how humans can also have an effect on these through development and many other factors. Various case studies are also explored during this course which give you an insight as to how people from other places around the world live. If you have a love for the world around you and the way that it affects our everyday lives, this is definitely the subject for you! After completing my GCSE’s, I wish to continue my study of Geography at A level where I will be able to take my current knowledge and passion another step further".
What is Geography GCSE?
What is Geography GCSE?
Course description
Course description
GCSE Geography provides an exciting and stimulating look at the world and the dynamic changes that it experiences. It provides the opportunity to develop and extend students’ understanding of the interactions between people and environments and to develop a range of key skills including through fieldwork and use of Geographical Information Services. Students will be able to apply geographical knowledge to contemporary issues such as climate change, global interdependence and sustainable development. Students will undertake fieldwork on at least two occasions, investigating both physical and human geographical issues.
Course structure
Course structure
The course comprises three components:
Paper 1: The Physical Environment, which is an 1 hour 30 minute examination and is worth 37.5% of the total GCSE. The topics examined on this paper are The UK’s changing landscape (2 topics from the choice of coasts, rivers or glaciers), Weather hazards & Climate change and finally Ecosystems, biodiversity & management. The exam is made up of 3 sections each totalling 30 marks and there are 4 marks available for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG).
Paper 2: The Human Environment which is the same breakdown as paper 1 and examines students on the following topics, Changing Cities, Global Development and Resource Management (with a choice to focus on energy or water). The exam is made up of the same sections as paper 1 above.
Paper 3: Geographical Investigations. This paper examines students on their understanding of fieldwork in both a human and physical context and the final section is question on challenges the UK faces. Each of the 3 sections is out of 20, with 4 marks available for SPAG across the entire paper. The exam is 1 hour and 30 minutes long and is worth 25% of the final GCSE.
Qualification: GCSE in Geography (Edexcel A)
Director of Learning: Mrs A Holway
ashleigh.holway@riddlesdown.org
"I like studying Geography because it is relevant, especially at A Level, learning about current events whether it's natural disasters, conflicts or geopolitical issues is really interesting and it's important to know what's going on in the world. It covers such a wide area of issues and covers areas of different subjects e.g. politics, history and you get an understanding of how the world works".
"All the content you learn is based on events that are happening all around you. All the topics interlink, helping you to understand all the headlines you see in the news. You also get a taster of whether you’re interested in science and physical geography, or whether you prefer the social and human side, which helps you to make decisions about A Levels and a degree later on".
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