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GCSE Geography (AQA)
GCSE Geography (AQA)
This exciting and relevant course studies Geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them. This course allows a variety of learning approaches to be used.
Aims and Objectives
Students will travel the world from the classroom, exploring:
case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs);
topics such as climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use;
their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes;
a range of skills including those used in fieldwork, in using maps and GIS and in researching secondary evidence, including digital sources;
contemporary issues and develop well-evidenced arguments drawing on their geographical knowledge and understanding.
Students will develop their competence in applying sound enquiry and investigative approaches to questions and hypotheses by carrying out at least one day of fieldwork.
Topics Covered
Living with the Physical Environment
Challenge of Natural Hazards
Living World
Physical Landscapes in the UK
Challenges in the Human Environment
Urban Issues and Challenges
Changing Economic World
Resource Management
Geographical Applications
Issue Evaluation (from pre-release)
Fieldwork (human and physical interaction)
Assessment of the Course
There will be 3 exams at the end of the course. Paper 1 will be Living with the Physical Environment and will last 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 35%. Paper 2 will be Challenges in the Human Environment and again will last 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 35%. Paper 3 will be Geographical Applications and is slightly shorter at 1 hour 15 minutes and is worth 30%.
Progression
This GCSE will provide learners with a solid grounding, whether they are going on to Further Education or the workplace. The qualification aims to inspire a passion for Geography which encourages an interest in the subject beyond academic achievements, for the rest of their life.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
5 Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any field trips?
Yes. A field trip is a compulsory part of the course and currently we complete a one-day field trip in the summer term combining an urban and coastal study.
Is there any coursework?
No. The students will be assessed by written examination only at the end of Year 11.
What does the Geography GCSE exam look like?
The exam is completed at the end of year 11 and has 3 separate papers to complete. Paper 1 is on Physical Geography. Paper 2 is Human Geography. Paper 3 uses student’s knowledge from their fieldwork alongside asking questions on a pre-release resource that is taught in the classroom before the exam.
Why should my child take Geography?
Currently Year 9 students have been completing GCSE style work and therefore if they feel that they are understanding the content and doing well in Geography, then that is a good indicator for their success at GCSE. Also, if your child enjoys and is enthusiastic about this subject then this will motivate them to achieve in well in the course. The course is broken up into a range of interesting topics from plate tectonics to looking at the effects of tourism in other countries. Students are taught in a variety of different ways, using ICT, videos, research, as well as traditional methods. The course is not all about written answers and it relies upon students to be able to use a series of graphical, statistical, drawing, map and interpretative skills. The Geography department is well resourced and students achieve well in this subject.
What units of Geography do you teach at GCSE?
We study several topics during the GCSE:
Natural Hazards: Tectonic, Weather and Climate Change.
Living World: Ecosystems, Tropical Rainforests, Hot Deserts.
Physical Landscapes: The UK, Coasts and Rivers.
The Urban World: Urbanisation, UK change, Sustainability.
The Economic World: Development and the Changing UK Economy.
Resource Management: Food, Water and Energy management.
Fieldwork: We complete a coastal and urban study within Cornwall.
Issue Evaluation: We study a pre-released booklet in lesson time.
Do you set in GCSE Geography?
No. We value the contribution of all and feel the students are able to make excellent progress in mixed ability classes where they are able to learn from each other.
Do all schools do the same GCSE Geography topics as The Roseland Academy?
No. Our exam board, AQA, offer some optional topics for each of the exam papers. We have carefully selected the topics which we believe the students will find the most interesting and that also fit with the knowledge and passion of the teaching staff.
Where can I find out more information about the GCSE course and the topics?
You can access further information about the course from the AQA website by searching for the GCSE Geography 1-9 course. Here you may download a copy of the specification that outlines the topics covered in more detail and even have a look at past papers.
Can I start buying books for my child to make a start with their GCSE Geography?
Of course, but be careful! You must make sure that any resources you buy, specifically link to the AQA Geography 1-9 course. We use GCSE Geography AQA by Ross, Rowles, Holmes and Digby. This is available to students online through the Kerboodle website. We advise not to buy revision guides as they often use different case studies, which can be confusing for students. As a school, we will be able to offer a range of revision resources and all Year 11 students receive a copy of our textbook.
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