GCSE Geography. Geography is the study of places and their people. It is about how people interact with their environment.

Transcription

1 GCSE Geography Geography is a very popular and sought after GCSE option at Bishop Stopfords. The Curriculum has been revamped nationally and Geography is included in the English Baccalaureate. It is a subject that is valued by the Russell Group (The UK s top twenty universities including Oxford and Cambridge). What is geography? Geography is the study of places and their people. It is about how people interact with their environment. Why study GCSE geography? There are many careers which make use of geography. Geography can help you to become an architect, property developer, town planner, traffic engineer, hydrologist, civil servant, meteorologist, teacher, researcher, scientist, travel agent, construction worker, and many, many more! Environmental concerns, such as global warming and desertification, are taking on growing importance. It is hugely beneficial to have an understanding of how people affect their environments. We study the BIG issues which you read about in newspapers or see on television, such as poverty, aid, migration and natural disasters (e.g. tsunami, flood, and earthquake). Geography is a varied subject. It will help you develop a wide range of skills and knowledge which will be useful to you when studying other subjects (e.g. Science, English, Mathematics, etc). Geography is well respected by colleges, universities and employers if you have a Geography qualification it means you are good at a number of things, including: o Capacity to investigate places o Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data o Numeracy/literacy/communication/ICT o Formulating opinions and balanced arguments o Proficiency at using and interpreting maps o Research finding things out!

2 We Study the AQA Exam Board Syllabus, GCSE Geography - Specification A Unit One (37.5% of total marks) Physical Geography (1½ hours) Section A: Section B: The Restless Earth; Rocks, Resources & Scenery; The Living World; Challenge of the Weather and Climate Water on the land, Ice on the land The Coastal Zone Students answer three questions in the exam; one from Section A and One from Section B, plus free choice for one other. Unit Two (37.5 % of total marks) Human Geography (1½ hours) Section A: Section B: Population Change; Changing Urban Environments; Changing Rural Environments The Development Gap; Globalisation Tourism Students answer three questions in the exam; one from Section A and one from Section B, plus free choice of one other. Controlled Assessment Coursework (25% of total marks) Coursework of approximately 2,500 words based on a fieldwork investigation. This will involve the collection of primary and secondary data. Approximately twenty hours will be spent in the classroom producing a coursework project (six hours of which will be done under examination conditions). There are two tiers of assessment: Foundation (G-C) Higher (D-A*)

3 GCSE Geography - Grade A You recall accurately detailed information about places and environments across all scales (e.g. local, regional, national and global) and show detailed knowledge of location and geographical terminology. You understand thoroughly the way in which a wide range of physical and human processes interact to influence the development of the geographical characteristics of particular places and environments, and their interdependence. You understand complex interrelationships between people and the environment, and how considerations of sustainable development affect the planning and management of environments and resources. You are able to evaluate the values and attitudes of those involved in geographical issues and in decision-making about the use and managements of environments.

4 GCSE Geography - Grade C You recall accurately information about places and environments across all scales (e.g. local, regional, national and global) and show detailed knowledge of location and geographical terminology. You understand a range of physical and human processes and their contribution to the development of the geographical characteristics of particular places and environments, and their interdependence. You understand interrelationships between people and the environment and appreciate that considerations of sustainable development affect the planning and management of environments and resources. You understand the values and attitudes of those involved in geographical issues and in decision-making about the use and management of environments.

5 GCSE Geography - Grade F You recall basic information about places and environments at more than one scale (e.g. local, global) and show an elementary level of knowledge of location and geographical terminology. You understand some simple geographical ideas and recognise that they contribute to the development of the geographical characteristics of places and environments. You understand some simple interrelationships between people and the environment, and the idea of sustainable development. You show some awareness of the attitudes and values of people involved in geographical issues and in decision-making about the use and management of environments.