Course description:

Geography is a very popular subject really because of its flexibility and variety of content. At GCSE there are many different ways to investigate our fascinating world – using maps, data, satellite images, photographs and of course the internet to allow pupils to study real geographical examples on a local, national and international scale. Geography uses an enquiry style of teaching so that students are required to question why a particular landscape or land use has developed rather than just accepting what they see at face value. Studying geography will allow you to understand a little better how different people in different parts of the world have been able to adapt to the environment in which they live.

The course is very wide ranging covering all aspects of 21 st Century Geography

By the end of Year 11 pupils who study GCSE Geography will be better equipped to understand issues that will influence their lives in the future.

The course is divided into four compulsory units:

The Physical World

The Human World

The Economic World

The Natural World

Natural World

Climate and weather have a strong impact on our lives and what will grow in what climate. Pupils will be able to read and interpret weather maps.

The Physical World

Some of this will be familiar as it covers the processes and landscapes formed by rivers, the sea and ice.

The Human World

Covers the causes for, and the problems that arise because of, rapid population growth. It also examines how towns vary around the world.

Economic World

Deals with employment and covers examples of how people earn their living - ranging from a rice grower in Bangladesh to a hi-tech computer company in the UK.

These units are supplemented with two optional units which will be chosen by the subject teacher from a choice of four. These units deal with the ways in which people manage the natural and man made world covering popular topics of Natural Hazards and Tourism.

You will also learn and understand how these topics are linked together.

One of the most popular and enjoyable parts of the course is the FIELDWORK where students have a chance to “get mud on their boots” with visits to the Peak District, Dane Valley or Snowdonia to study glaciation and visits to conduct urban work in Chester and Salford Quays. Fieldwork allows pupils to look out for ideas learnt in school as well as to collect primary data that will be needed in their coursework.

ASSESSMENT THROUGH COURSEWORK

As well as the compulsory and optional units, pupils will be required to complete a SINGLE coursework task on a topic related to some aspect of the syllabus. The coursework represents 25% of the total assessment so it is a very important part to the course. Coursework is normally started in the Summer Term of Year 10.

ASSESSMENT BY EXAMINATION

The final examination consists of two written papers:

Paper 1 - 1¾ hours - worth 45%

This tests the core units.

Paper 2 - 1¼ hours - worth 30%

Some pupils might find a short course in Geography which covers a reduced content more within their capabilities.

If you want to know more about the GCSE Geography course then ask your subject teacher.

For more information on choices and options at 14, 16 and beyond (including career matching software), visit our Careers page.