KS4
GCSE Course Followed: Geography
Specification: Edexcel A (Syllabus code – 1GA0)
Why Choose GCSE Geography?
- Geography focusses on understanding and finding solutions to current issues which span the globe, such as climate change and migration.
- Geography is a core facilitating subject for the prestigious ‘Russell Group’ universities.
- Visits to interesting places! GCSE students go on two field trips, to Snowdonia and Ancoats in Manchester.
- Physical Geography strongly links with Science, Maths and Geology.
- Human geography complements Economics, Arts and other Humanities.
- Geographical Skills - Geography is highly relevant and prepares students for their future – students develop transferrable skills that open up interesting employment paths.
GCSE Content - Edexcel (A) Specification
GCSE Content - Edexcel (A) Specification
Paper 1 - Physical Geography
- Unit A: Changing Landscapes of the UK (Geology, Rivers, Glaciation)
- Unit B: Weather and Climate Change
- Unit C: Ecosystems
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (37.5%)
Paper 2 - Human Geography
- Unit A: Changing Cities
- Unit B: Global Development
- Unit C: Resource Management
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (37.5%)
Paper 3 - Geographical Investigations:
Fieldwork and UK challenges. Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (25%)
Who should take GCSE Geography?
Those with an interest in global issues and an inquisitive mind – you will be learning about the world you live in, such as the climate crisis and mass migration.
Careers
Geographers find a huge variety of opportunities and have some of the best graduate employment rates in diverse fields including: Banking, Insurance, Accountancy, Investment, Law, Medicine, Media, Economic development, Surveying, Architecture, Civil Service, Charity and NGOs, Cartography, Environmental Consultancy and Coastal/River engineering. Watch this video to hear from real world Geographers and what they love about their job!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mj8MTWZX4M
“The study of Geography is about understanding the complexity of our physical and human world, and appreciating the diversity of cultures that exist across continents”. Barack Obama
Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview
The GCSE course is both relevant and exciting, and there are typically 3 or 4 Geography groups per year group. We follow the Edexcel (A) Specification. Geography provides pupils with the opportunity to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of some of the most important places and prominent issues facing society today.
A range of places and geographical issues are studied at different scales (local, regional, national and global). Examples include development issues in sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of meteorological hazards such as hurricane Sandy and studies of dynamic world cities in emerging countries, such as Mumbai.
Pupils develop a wide range of skills throughout the GCSE course, including literacy, numeracy, data collection and data presentation, understanding of values and attitudes, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and use of information and communication technology.
Fieldwork is used to support learning in Geography. Pupils participate in a day fieldtrip to investigate river characteristics and flood risk in Snowdonia, and a day field trip to Ancoats, Manchester.
Year 10
| NAME OF TOPIC | KEY CONTENT OF THE TOPIC | ASSESSMENT POINTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HT1 | T1 Changing UK Landscapes – Geology, Rivers and Glaciation |
Explore how different landscapes of the UK have been shaped over time by both Physical processes and Human activity. | Geology of UK Trial Exam |
| HT2 | Understand how different landforms along a river course are formed and how human activity and climate change impact on these natural environments. | Rivers Trial Exam | |
| HT3 | Understand how ice carves out distinctive landscapes and explain how relict glacial landscapes in the UK came to be. | Glaciation Trial Exam | |
| HT4 | T2 Weather and Climate Change | Gain an in depth understanding of what drives both global climate and UK climate | |
| HT5 | Explore how people are impacted by natural hazards such as drought & tropical cyclones | End of Year Trial Exam | |
| HT6 | T3 Ecosystems | Learn about how climate affects the distribution of global biomes and how the climate influences the characteristics of Tropical Rainforests and Temperate Woodlands. | Trial Exam |
YEAR 11
| NAME OF TOPIC | KEY CONTENT OF THE TOPIC | ASSESSMENT POINTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HT1 | T4 Changing cities. | Explore how cities have evolved over time and understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the rise of megacities. | |
| HT2 | Note: Due to Coronavirus Ofqual have removed the requirement for 2 days of fieldwork. Therefore, the Ancoats and Snowdonia field visit will not be taking place this academic year | Trial Exam | |
| HT3 | T 5 Global Development | Widen your understanding about global development, debunk the myths and understand what can be done to ensure countries progress & develop to fulfil their potential. | Trial Exam |
| HT4 | T6 Resource Management | Expand your knowledge on modern techniques for maximising renewable energy and gain a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead with regards to energy security. | Trial Exam |
| HT5 | T7 UK Geographical Investigations | This is a synoptic element which looks to consolidate what you have learnt in previous topics, but this time applied to UK challenges for the Paper 3 examination. | |
| HT6 | N/A | GCSE Exams |
If you wish to look at the specification in more detail please follow the link to the Edexcel GCSE Geography B Specification below:
Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE
Students should use the topic list provided in the Study Skills folder to guide their revision. Pupils are given many revision materials from the department and these should be used for revision purposes, especially case study notes.
Pearson produce a Revision workbook (ISBN 978-1-292-13373-7) and a Revision Guide (ISBN 978-1-292-13377-5).
Support available for GCSE Students
In the Christmas term of Year 11 some pupils will be asked to attend a series of revision sessions in preparation for trial exams.
Individual teachers also offer intervention/ exam masterclass sessions after Christmas in Year 11.
Students should seek help from their class teacher if they are encountering problems.