Exam Board: WJEC
Controlled Assessment: 25% ( one piece of work based on fieldwork worth 15% and the other piece being a report on an issue of concern worth 10%)
Written Exams: 75% in two exams, one worth 45% which covers the three themes covered in the specification and the other worth 30% which is a crossunit problem solving exercise.
Purpose of Subject
The purpose of your studies in Geography is to develop your understanding of patterns in the physical and human environment and to realise how various processes contribute to these patterns.
Above all we would like you to enjoy the subject so much that you see, think and act geographically!
What Will be Expected From Me?
The GCSE course involves a study of interrelated issues that have a direct affect upon our planet today.
These issues will be studied at a variety of scales from the local to the global.
The emphasis throughout will be on understanding, enquiry, practical and analytical skills.
There are currently two days of fieldwork, one at Barton-on Sea and Hurst Castle on the Hampshire coast where we study coastal processes and management and the other at London Docklands and the 2012 Olympic site where we study urban regeneration.
IT is used over the two years especially the use of Google Earth, The MetOffice website, The BBC and GIS.
During the two years of the course we would expect you to keep up to date with Geography in the news by watching BBC/ITN news broadcasts and building up an awareness of the issues facing our planet in the early 21st century
The Specification
There are three themes to be covered . These are:-
- Challenges of living in a built environment. This examines the differences in quality of life in towns and cities across the UK and the world as well as looking at the key ideas of urban growth, migration and population issues.
- People and the natural world interactions. This theme explores the vital aspects of how humans affect their natural environment and how in turn are affected by natural processes. You will study issues such as coastal and river management, climate change, global warming and energy production.
- People, Work and Development. This theme explores the patterns of employment across the globe and looks at changes to industry and trade on a global scale. You will also study the reasons why some countries are richer than others and what can be done to narrow the so called development gap.
After GCSE
Many of our pupils go on to study AS level Geography in sixth form
You will be equipped with a clearer understanding of how our world works and what can be done about major issues like climate change, development, poverty aid and trade.
Many employers and colleges see GCSE Geography as a very relevant and useful subject in an increasingly complicated and interdependent world.
GCSE Geography is a good qualification that can lead to employment in many different jobs.
After college it can be studied either as an Arts or Science subject and combined with other subjects such as languages, sciences or business.
