Geography

"Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future.  What could be more important than that?” - Michael Palin

Why choose Geography?

Are you interested in understanding the world that you live in and why it is changing?


What is the world like and why is it changing?  This is a key question of geography.  Throughout GCSE geography we explore different aspects of the human and physical environment both locally, in the UK, and across the world and the links between them.  Through this we investigate many of the challenges facing our world today including climate change, unequal development, rapid urbanisation and overuse of natural resources.  


Do you want to develop skills in interpreting different sources of information including and conducting research? In GCSE geography we develop skills in collecting and interpreting real-world data including written information, graphs and photographs and maps.  We use this information to draw conclusions and support our opinions.  This supports the development of skills in numeracy and literacy as well as team-work particularly during fieldwork.


Do you want to develop knowledge and skills that will support your A Level choices and future careers?  GCSE geography supports progression to many subjects at A Level including economics, politics, sociology, geology and environmental science.

Welcome to Geography

Head of Geography - Miss E Croft

“The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” Barack Obama

Geography is one of the most sought after subjects by employers since students are able to conduct independent, practical research individually and as part of teams, have high levels of literacy and numeracy and an awareness of issues affecting the wider world. An understanding of geographical issues is becoming increasingly important given the rising environmental challenges facing the world. Graduates in geography go into a diverse range of careers including directly aligned professions such as environmental management, international development, engineering and surveying but also, using their skills, to non-aligned professions including finance, law and accountancy.

Geographers gather and analyse numerical or spatial data, crowd-sourced data and factual texts. Data analysis is sought-after in fields from business and marketing to science, research and medicine. Compiling and selectively using information from reliable sources is vital in areas such as market research, bid writing, content writing and even software engineering. Teamwork is an essential skill to have, whether you’re part of a team of research scientists or are working on a specific project with your colleagues. Problem solving is an ability to break down complex problems and come up with creative solutions is essential for engineers, product designers and business developers.

Exam Board : Edexcel

Qualifiaction Type: GCSE (EBacc subject)

Assessment : 3 exams in total, including fieldwork

Exam Length : 

Paper 1 - 90 min (37.5%) 

Paper 2 - 90 min (37.5%) 

Paper 3 - 90 min (25%)


What would help? 

Anyone can choose this course, however you may find it easier to access if you are confident working in your Geography lessons in Y9 and have an interest in the world in which we live!

Course Content

You will be studying the Edexcel B GCSE Geography course. The course consists of 3 units.  Each is assessed in one 90 minute exam:


Unit 1: Global Geographical Issues (37.5%): 

Hazardous Earth: What are the hazards of climate change, tropical cyclones and plate tectonics and how these are managed.

Development Dynamics: Why places are developing and how India is managing change over time.

Challenges of an Urbanising World:  Why countries are urbanising and the challenges this creates.


Unit 2: UK Geographical Issues (37.5%): 

The UK’s Evolving Physical Landscape: The UK geology and UK river and coastal landscapes, what hazards are created and how are they managed.

The UK’s Evolving Human Landscape: The UK urban and rural areas, what are the challenges facing UK cities and how are they managed.

Each of the above have an associated fieldwork relating to river processes and pressures and dynamic urban areas.


Unit 3: People and Environment Issues (25%): 

People and the Biosphere: How people and the environment are interdependent in different ecosystems.

Forests under Threat: How humans are destroying the tropical rainforest and taiga forest and how this is being managed.

Consuming Energy Resources:  How humans obtain fossil fuels, how this affects the environment and what are the alternatives to this.

“I just wanted to say that this is truly a great subject, I love it. One of my passions and is actually useful, you will use it in every aspect of your life.” - Y11 student

Methods of Study

The GCSE course is largely classroom based.  In lessons we interpret different sources of information including written text, graphs, photographs and maps.  With this data we develop our understanding and opinions about geographical issues through debate, discussion and problem solving activities.  This is done through both group work and individual study.


There are alos two fieldwork investigations which will involve day trips. The first to a river and the the second to an urban area.

“The main reason why I chose geography for GCSE was the fact that it was enjoyable. I love the new learning opportunities that you receive throughout the course.” - Y10 student

Assessment

This course is assessed by exam at the end of Year 11.  This includes the fieldwork content.



(Fieldwork is assessed in Paper 2 not through coursework)



Here are some examples of GCSE Geography work produced by our students this year...

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