Geography

We believe that, given the challenges we face as a society, but more broadly as a species, having a solid foundation in Geography is crucial to being a well-rounded, global citizen. Geography is a diverse and stimulating course which appeals to students who are interested in the complex relationships and interactions between people and the natural world. The course is both dynamic and broad and you will develop a wide range of skills. You will increase your interest and awareness of geographical issues from a local to a global scale. Additionally, you will extend and deepen your understanding of current geographical issues like sustainability, climate change and inequality. Should you continue to study Geography into Year 10, you will attend two fieldwork days, one in physical geography and the other in human geography. The knowledge and skills used will be assessed in the exam. You will need to be able to work independently and in groups, and be prepared to share your opinions and ideas. Geography links with a range of other subjects at both GCSE and A Level and is well respected as a qualification by employers and universities.

What will I learn?

The course contains three components:

Component 1 – Living with the physical environment:

• The challenge of natural hazards – natural hazards, tectonic hazards, weather hazards and climate

• change

• The living world – ecosystems, tropical rainforests and cold environments

• Physical landscapes in the UK – UK physical landscapes, coastal landscapes and river landscapes

Component 2 - Challenges in the human environment:

• Urban issues and challenges

• The changing economic world

• The challenge of resource management – Focus on water

Component 3 - Geographical applications:

• Issue evaluation

• Fieldwork

Where could it lead?

Geography is the UK’s most popular optional GCSE and the sixth most popular GCSE. It is a well-respected subject, with universities and employers alike, and is now one of the main subjects for the EBacc. Geography links extremely well with specialist science and humanities subjects, so it is ideal for a balanced curriculum. Studying Geography at GCSE could also lead to further study at A Level. A Level Geography is one of the facilitating subjects for entry to top universities, such as those in the Russell Group. Geography has one of the highest rates of graduate employability, being highly valued by employers and can lead to careers in: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Leisure & Tourism, Meteorology, Landscape Design, Photography, Environmental Health Navigation, Estate Management and Nature Conservation.

Assessment

You will sit 3 papers:

1. Living with the physical environment - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG)) 35% of GCSE

2. Challenges in the human environment - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPaG) 35% of GCSE

3. Geographical applications - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG) 30% of GCSE

Exam Board

• AQA