Head of Department:	Mrs J Ashton
Examining Board:	AQA

 

What Will I Study?

GCSE Geography is a contemporary course with topics that explore today’s most significant issues.

Students consider various viewpoints and learn how they can help create a positive geographical future. A variety of fieldwork options give you the choice and flexibility to find a convenient location.

 

Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment

Section A: Challenge of Natural Hazards

• Tectonic Hazards
• Weather and Climate

Section B: Physical Landscapes in the UK

• Coastal landscapes in the UK
• Glacial landscapes in the UK

Section C: Living World

• Ecosystems and Tropical Rainforest
• Hot Deserts

 

Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment

• Urban Issues and Challenges
• Changing Economic World
• Resource Management (with focus on Food or Water or Energy)

 

Paper 3: Geographical Application

Issue Evaluation - a pre-released booklet is sent to schools 12 weeks before the exam.

The issue changes each year but will be based on any topic from the course. Students will have the opportunity to work through the resources, enabling them to become familiar with the material in preparation for questions about it in the exam.    

 

What Skills Will I Develop?

A range of Geographical skills – map skills, analysis, understanding the awareness of environment, teamwork.

Through issue evaluation and decision-making exercises students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

 

How Will I Be Assessed?

There will be three examinations of 1 hour 30 minutes each at the end of Year 11

Papers 1 & 2 make up 35% each of the total mark and Paper 3 makes up 30%.

 

Students’ understanding of the enquiry process will be assessed in the Paper 3 exam.

Fieldwork in two contrasting locations will be completed prior to the examination period.

The current locations visited are Brandon Marsh for examining ecosystems and also Birmingham City Centre for investigating the regeneration that has taken place.

 

For more information please view our Options video: