OCR A GCSE Geography Course Options For teaching from September 2016 lies in a secluded valley at the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. The house is a striking example of a Tudor and Georgian country mansion set within its own grounds. The Centre has excellent access to the Somerset coast as well as Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The centre is half an hour from Taunton and the motorway network. Taunton railway station is less than 2 hours from London. Our new courses are designed to fit the criteria of the specifications for first teaching in 2016. As such they are designed to: Complete all fieldwork requirements through a choice of urban and physical topics providing students with the indepth geographical understanding needed for their exams and progression within geography. Spend time honing students geographical skills, studying the interaction between physical and human geography and using unfamiliar contexts. Develop the geographical, mathematical and statistical skills which are integrated within all areas of assessment in a real world situation with contextualised data students have collected themselves.
OCR A GCSE Geography Options OCR A Fieldwork Requirements: Fieldwork must take place outside the classroom and beyond the school grounds on two occasions. Fieldwork investigations must be in contrasting locations and in both physical and human contexts. *Evening options will need to be selected as not all can be covered within the time available. They can however also be incorporated into a Follow up Half day. Day AM PM EVE * Coastal processes, landforms and management An investigation into the processes and management of Porlock Bay After identifying a suitable geographical question, students investigation will focus on the characteristics and management of sections of the dynamic West Somerset coastline, including geology and relief. Students will plan and carry out fieldwork following the geographical enquiry process whilst gaining an understanding of the interactions between physical and human geography. Fieldwork can include: Sediment analysis, Beach profiles, Field sketch, Bipolar analysis of sea defences. Secondary research: Geology map (BGS), shoreline management plans (NADASCAG) Field site(s): Porlock Bay (40mins transport required) 1.1.4 Coastal landforms and landscape. 1.1.5 Case study of coastal landscape presentation skills including measures of central tendency, dispersion graphs and/or proportional pie charts of sediment data. Drawing beach profiles. GIS data presentation of mean sediment size or bipolar evaluation scores using ArcGIS online. Evaluation of methodologies and investigation process. Coastal Management An investigation into the shoreline management of Minehead (Also available as half day) After identifying a suitable geographical question, the students investigation will focus on the coastal characteristics and management of Minehead. Students will plan and carry out fieldwork following the geographical enquiry process whilst gaining an understanding of the interactions between physical and human geography. Fieldwork Bipolar evaluations of flood defences, Flood risk mapping, Field sketch, Cost benefit analysis, Questionnaires, Conflict matrix Secondary research: Shoreline Management Plans, geology, Field site(s): Minehead (20 minutes transport required) 1.1.4 Coastal landforms and landscape 1.1.5 Case study of coastal landscape presentation skills including pie charts and/or radar diagrams for questionnaire and bipolar analysis data. Cost benefit analysis Use of GIS and students collected data to work out calculated cost benefit value. GIS data presentation of flood risk mapping and bipolar evaluation scores using ArcGIS online.
Day AM PM EVE* Changing river landforms with distance from source An investigation into the changing valley and river landforms with distance from the source of the River Holford(Oct-April)/Horner(May-Sept) After identifying a suitable geographical question, the students investigation will study changing shape of a river valley with progression downstream and role of the different fluvial and landscape processes in shaping these river landscapes. Using either the River Holford (Quantock Hills, AONB), or the River Horner (Exmoor National Park), students will carry out fieldwork following the process of geographical enquiry, also understanding the interactions between physical and human geography, using both primary and secondary data. Fieldwork Width and Depth (Cross sectional area), Flow rate (velocity), Wetted perimeter, Gradient, Landform mapping, Sinuosity Index Secondary research: Geology, Field site(s): River Holford (30 minutes transport required) or River Horner (45 minutes transport required) 1.1.3 Rivers create a range of landforms which change with distance from their source within a river basin.. presentation skills including measures of central tendency, drawing cross profiles, dispersion graphs, radar diagrams GIS data presentation of calculated measured variables(e.g. Cross sectional area, Velocity, discharge) using ArcGIS online Impacts of aging populations in West Somerset An investigation into causes, effects and responses of aging populations in the settlements of Porlock and Watchet (Also available as half day, visiting Watchet only) Between 1984 and 2014 the number of people aged 85 and over has increased by 170% and in parts of West Somerset more than half of the population is projected to be aged 65 or older by 2033. After student-led research into population demographics in West Somerset, students will construct an enquiry question to be investigated and collect primary data in both Porlock and Watchet on causes, effects and responses of an aging population. Fieldwork Services tally, questionnaires, non-participant observation, event survey, annotated photographs, place checks Secondary research: 2011 census profiles, Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015, Historic census data (visionofbritain.org) Field site: Porlock (40 minutes transport required) and Watchet (15 minutes transport required) 1.2.4 The UK s population is changing presentation skills of epitome words, questionnaires and using radar diagrams, pie charts and Wordle. GIS data presentation of place checks and epitome words Student-led group presentations using results and secondary data. Secondary data analysis workshop How can secondary data be used to enrich primary fieldwork data?
AM PM EVE* Spatial inequalities An investigation into spatial inequalities within Taunton (Also available as half day) Following student led research into the nearby county town of Taunton and indicators of quality of life, students will identify a suitable geographical question and carry out fieldwork in contrasting areas of Taunton. Students will use both primary data and secondary research and understand interactions between the physical environments of Taunton and the human landscape. Fieldwork Questionnaires (views and perceptions of quality of life), Environmental Quality Assessments, Index of Decay, Anti-crime scores, Service tally, Car survey (wealth),, Epitome words Secondary research: 2011 census profiles, Crime maps (Police.uk), Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015 Field site: Taunton (40 minutes transport required) 1.2.2. The UK is a diverse and unequal society which has geographical patterns. presentation skills of epitome words, questionnaires and using radar diagrams, pie charts and Wordle. GIS data presentation of Environmental Quality Assessments, Index of Decay and Anti-crime scores using ArcGIS online. Student-led group presentations using results and secondary data for different areas of Taunton. Secondary data analysis workshop How can secondary data be used to enrich primary fieldwork data? Urban trends An investigation into causes and consequences of counter-urbanisation and re-urbanisation in Taunton Deane. This investigation will focus on two areas of Taunton a rural/urban fringe historic village (Bishops Lydeard) and an inner city area that has been the centre of a large regeneration project (Firepool Lock). Following student-led research into the urban trends of counter-urbanisation and re-urbanisation, students will identify a suitable geographical question and carry out fieldwork in contrasting areas of Taunton. Students will use both primary data and secondary research and understand interactions between the physical environments of Taunton and the human landscape. Fieldwork Questionnaires, Conflict Matrix, Environmental Quality Assessments, Anti-crime scores, Service tally, Epitome words Secondary research: 2011 census profiles, Crime maps (Police.uk), Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015, House prices (Zoopla), Field site: Taunton (40 minutes transport required) 1.2.5 There are causes for and consequences of urban trends in the UK. presentation skills of epitome words, questionnaires and using radar diagrams, pie charts and Wordle. GIS data presentation of Environmental Quality Assessments and Anti-crime scores using ArcGIS online. Student-led group presentations using results and secondary data for Bishops Lydeard and Firepool Lock. Secondary data analysis workshop How can secondary data be used to enrich primary fieldwork data?
Half-Day Options (Also see additional half day options above) Day AM EVE Half day follow up Geographical Enquiry Process: Presentation, Analysis, Conclusion and Evaluation Fieldwork needs to have been completed prior to this option This day is recommended for groups wishing to complete more of the presentation, analysis and follow up during the course of the trip. This session will be based at the centre. Following presenting their fieldwork data, students will complete their geographical enquiry. Students will describe, analyse and explain their data enabling them to be able to reach conclusions, evaluate their data, methods and conclusions. This will prepare them for exam questions based on their individual fieldwork. This session can incorporate evening options from above programme for appropriate days. Day PM (May also be adapted as AM only options) EVE* Basic geographical skills Introductory half day session Fluvial landforms investigation/microclimates investigation Through a local geographical mini -study students will be introduced to a range of skills that underpin the study of geography, enabling students to begin to understand how to select suitable questions for an enquiry by relating to the landscape around them. *Fluvial landforms Woodford meanders (Walking dist. From centre) *Microclimates Nettlecombe grounds Geographical Enquiry process A session to introduce to the process of geographical enquiry. Students will consider the geographical enquiry process and its importance and relevance in developing geographical knowledge and theories, and will recognize and explore the web of interconnections between all topics and themselves. River Landforms and processes An investigation into fluvial landforms (meanders and straights) on a small stream. After students have identified a suitable geographical question for investigation, the investigation will focus on how different fluvial processes have shaped landforms on local section of a tributary of the River Doniford. Students will carry out fieldwork following the process of geographical enquiry, also understanding the interactions between physical and human geography. Students will use both primary and secondary data. Fieldwork Width and depth (cross profile), Flow rate (velocity), Bed load shape and size. Secondary research: Geology Field site: Woodford meanders (20 minutes walk from centre) 1.1.2 There are a number of geomorphic processes that create distinctive landscapes. may include: presentation skills including measures of central tendency, drawing cross profiles, dispersion graphs, radar diagrams and investigation process
Day PM (May also be adapted as AM only options) EVE* Economic change in Watchet An investigation into the impacts and solutions to economic change over time in the town of Watchet. Watchet is an ancient harbor town located just outside Exmoor National Park. After identifying a suitable geographical question students investigations will consider the change in the economy and type of economy in this location over time and the consequences of this economic change. Students will carry out fieldwork following the process of geographical enquiry, also understanding the interactions between physical and human geography using both primary and secondary data. Fieldwork Environmental quality assessments, Index of Decay, place checks, annotated photographs, questionnaires, non-participant observation, vehicle check, service tally, Secondary research: Newspaper articles, Onion Collective, historic photos, West Somerset County Council. Field site: Watchet (15 minutes transport required) 1.2.3 There are different causes and consequences of development within the UK. Case study may include: presentation skills of epitome words, questionnaires and using radar diagrams, pie charts and Wordle. GIS data presentation of Environmental Quality Assessments, Index of Decay using ArcGIS online. Secondary data analysis workshop How can secondary data be used to enrich primary fieldwork data? and investigation process
Specification links (will vary dependant on day) Links to: 1. Living in the UK Today - 1.1.2 There are a number of geomorphic processes which create distinctive landscapes - 1.1.3 Rivers create a range of landforms which change with distance from their source within a river basin - 1.1.4 There are a range of landforms within the coastal landscape - 1.1.5 Landscapes are dynamic and differ depending on their geology, climate and human activity - 1.2.3 There are different causes and consequences of development within the UK - 1.2.4 The UK s population is changing - 1.2.6 Cities have distinct challenges and ways of life, influenced by its people, culture and geography 1.3 UK Environmental Challenges - 1.3.2 Extreme flood hazard events are becoming more commonplace in the UK 3. Geographical skills Fieldwork skills 3.1 Cartographic skills 3.2 Graphical skills 3. 3 Numerical and statistical skills 3.4 Analysis, Interpretation, conclusion and evaluation skills
What is included in the fee? Up to 10 hours of tuition a day Expert tuition, from fully trained staff Full board accommodation. Catering includes cooked breakfast, packed lunch, homemade cakes and evening meal. Use of facilities including workrooms, recreational space, ICT and centre grounds Established health and safety procedures and 24 hour emergency cover Access to specialist equipment and resources Support before and following the course Tuition is delivered by talented teachers, with not only an expert knowledge of their subject and field work locations, but a passion for the subject being taught. Our education team are fully DBS checked, and undergo a regular and rigorous training process. All tutors have received training in first aid, risk assessment and water safety. Course options listed in this booklet can be selected to put together a programme designed to meet the requirements of your specification. However, if you need something that is not catered for in the field work investigations, please contact us to discuss possible alternatives. External Recognition of Quality has been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. The badge is awarded to organisations that have demonstrated that they consistently deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk effectively. This means that you will have to complete less paperwork when visiting our centre Email us at: enquiries.nc@field-studies-council.org