Subject Information

Course Summary

The new AQA GCSE accredited in 2016 offers a variety of different topics covering both human and physical Geography, as well as allowing students to experience fieldwork in different locations. It aims to give students the chance to investigate the link between the human and physical themes and examine the battles between the natural and man-made worlds. Learners will develop the skills necessary to conduct framed enquiries in the classroom and in the field in order to develop their understanding of specialised geographical concepts and current geographical issues.

Students Suited to the Course

• Confident in exam situations and enjoys academic subjects.

• Enjoys fieldwork visits and carrying out investigations.

• An interest in environmental issues and the way the world works.

Course Structure

Living with the physical environment is split into 3 main topics:

‘Natural hazards’ (tectonic and weather hazards’ causes and impacts on the world).

‘The living world’(how ecosystems work in rainforests, deserts and polar regions).

‘Physical landscapes’(the way the UK has been shaped by its coasts, rivers and past glaciers).

Challenges in the human environment is also split into 3 sections:

‘Urban issues and challenges’ (the impact that the world’s rapidly increasing population is having on the way we live and the world around us).

‘The changing economic world’ (the causes and impacts of different levels of wealth around the world and the changes that are occurring in the UK as a result of its changing wealth).

‘The challenge of resource management’(how food, water and energy supplies can be managed globally and nationally to allow future generations to survive).

Geographical applications contains 2 sections:

’Issue evaluation’ (interpreting a wide variety of sources to make an informed decision).

’Fieldwork’ (complete 2 different types of fieldwork enquiry).

Assessment Methods

Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment written exam 1h 30. —35% of the awarded grade

Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment written exam 1h 30—35% of the awarded grade

Unit 3: Geographical Applications written exam 1h 15 30% of the awarded grade

Possible Progressions

Apart from enjoying the course and being a lot more aware of the world around you, GCSE Geography is a solid basis for many A level subjects. Students who have done well in Geography often study higher qualifications in subjects such as Environmental studies, Geology, Economics,and Sociology.

There are also many areas more directly related to Geography, such as Travel and Tourism, the environment, transport management, town planning, careers in airports and the armed services

Contact: Mrs Turgoose