| Departmental Staff | |
| Mrs J Spiby | Curriculum Leader |
| Miss C Dowdall | Geography Teacher |
| Mr C Hutchinson | Geography Teacher |
| Miss G Janes | Geography Teacher |
KS3
In Years 7 and 8, students study a range of physical, human and environmental issues. Following an introductory unit titled ‘How Can I Save the World?’ in which students cover key geographical skills and our responses to consider climate change. Thereafter, a range of questions are answered including: How does my local place compare to the restof the world? How should we manage fragile ecosystems? How does the atmosphere impact our lives? How might global superpowers change in the future? And Why do people live near tectonic hazards?
| GCSE GEOGRAPHY:
Examining body: EDUQAS |
Course outline: Students study the theory and reality of current and topical geographical issues, including aspects of physical geography such as rivers, coasts, weather and ecosystems and aspects of human geography such as urban and rural geography and industry and development in different parts of the world.
| Exam Paper WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B: C112QS Qualification Accreditation Number: 601/8153/9 |
% of final mark |
| Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues |
40% |
| Component 2: Problem Solving Geography |
30% |
| Component 3: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry |
30% |
All students take the same exam papers – there are no tiered papers.
Textbook used by school:
WJEC EDUQAS GCSE (9-1) GEOGRAPHY B, Alan Brown, Val Davies, Bob Digby, Andy Leeder, Hodder Education 2016.
ISBN 978 1 4718 5787 4
Revision book:
This is the revision book that has been written specifically to go with our GCSE course. It is on Amazon or similar websites. It contains theory information, but not case studies. Information about case studies is in exercise books and on the VLE.
My Revision Notes: WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9–1) Geography B Paperback – Hodder by Stuart Currie
| ISBN: | 9781471887376 Published 30 Nov 2017 |
Exam Paper details:
Students sit all three exam papers at the end of Y11. There is no controlled assessment/coursework.
Component 1
Three structured data response questions. The final part of each question will require an extended response.
Question 1 will assess aspects of Theme 1, Changing Places -Changing Economies.
Question 2 will assess aspects of Theme 2, Changing Environments.
Question 3 will assess aspects of Theme 3, Environmental Challenges.
Component 2
This component will assess content from across the themes using a variety of structured data response questions.
Part A will introduce an issue and set the geographical context.
Part B will outline a number of possible solutions to the issue.
Part C will provide an opportunity for the candidates to choose a solution and justify their choice in an extended response.
Component 3
This is a written examination in three parts using a variety of structured data response questions, some of which will require extended responses.
Part A will assess approaches to fieldwork methodology, representation and analysis.
Part B will assess how fieldwork enquiry may be used to investigate geography’s conceptual frameworks.
Part C will assess the application of broad geographical concepts to a wider UK context and assess the ability to make and justify a decision.
Students need to take part in two days of fieldwork on out of school visits in order to meet the exam board requirements for Component 3. Eduqas have this statement on their website: “In order to prepare for this component, learners are expected to undertake two fieldwork enquiries outside the classroom and school grounds, each in a contrasting environment.”
Homework:
Homework is set every week and should take about one hour, typically using All Saints’ Absolutes to explore one area using the knowledge, understanding, summary, practice, mastery format.
KS5
GEOGRAPHY ‘A’ LEVEL:
Examining body : Edexcel Pearson
Course: Geography A level
Website link: Website has general information as well as past papers and mark schemes. https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html
Course outline: Geography ‘A’ level studies real world issues and places and helps students use their geographical skills to make sense of the world around them. The course makes constant links to current affairs and how political decisions can impact on geographical issues, e.g. how much money should be spent on earthquake proofing old buildings or why countries might choose to build new nuclear power stations.
What will I study?
Year 1
- Physical Geography – Tectonic Hazards, Coastal Landscapes
- Human Geography – Globalisation, Regenerating Places
- Fieldwork and Coursework
Year 2
- Physical Geography – Water cycle and Insecurity, Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.
- Human Geography – Superpowers, Health, Human Rights and Intervention.
- Synoptic Issues
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1 – 30% marks
- Physical Geography – Tectonic Hazards, Coastal Landscapes, Water cycle and Insecurity, Carbon Cycle, Energy Security.
- Mix of shorter and longer questions which can be open (using student knowledge) or data response linked to resources provided in the exam.
Paper 2 – 30% marks
- Human Geography – Globalisation, Regenerating Places, Superpowers, Health, Human Rights and Intervention.
- Mix of shorter and longer questions which can be open (using student knowledge) or data response linked to resources provided in the exam.
Paper 3 – 20% marks
- Issues Analysis – Exam questions on a booklet of new information about geographical issues raised by topics from Papers 1 and 2.
- Mix of shorter and longer questions linked to resources provided in the exam.
Paper 4 – 20% marks
- Coursework – 3000-4000 word report based on fieldwork undertaken during the course.
- Students must complete at least four days of fieldwork to meet exam board requirements.
What skills will help me?
- an interest in current affairs and the world
- enjoy working out what is happening in an area using a variety of pieces of information
- enjoy trying to work out answers or decisions using a variety of pieces of information
- enjoy observing the real world and doing fieldwork outside
- being able to plan a structure or route through a piece of work
How will I develop over the two years?
Students will learn about key geographical ideas and theories from Physical and Human Geography in Y12 and then learn how to apply them to real world situations throughout Y13. Y13 topics will also help students develop the skills needed to make links between different aspects of the geographical world. Students will also learn fieldwork and organisational skills when completing the coursework paper at the end of Y12.
Potential career paths
Outside of medicine, Geography graduates have the highest employment rates! Geographers are very employable because the subject requires a wide range of skills and the ability to analyse, interpret and comment on information or data. Many geographers work in areas like accountancy, law, surveying, ICT (particularly GIS), environmental services and other service-based jobs.
Entry requirements
Students enrolling on this course require a minimum of 5 9-5 grades at GCSE with a grade 6 or above in Geography. A grade 5 or above in Maths will be needed as the course does include basic statistics.
Course outline: Students study the theory and reality of current and topical geographical issues, including aspects of physical geography such as rivers, coasts, weather and ecosystems and aspects of human geography such as urban and rural geography and industry and development in different parts of the world.
| Exam Paper WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B: C112QS Qualification Accreditation Number: 601/8153/9 |
% of final mark |
| Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues |
40% |
| Component 2: Problem Solving Geography |
30% |
| Component 3: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry |
30% |
All students take the same exam papers – there are no tiered papers.
Textbook used by school:
WJEC EDUQAS GCSE (9-1) GEOGRAPHY B, Alan Brown, Val Davies, Bob Digby, Andy Leeder, Hodder Education 2016.
ISBN 978 1 4718 5787 4
Revision book:
This is the revision book that has been written specifically to go with our GCSE course. It is on Amazon or similar websites. It contains theory information, but not case studies. Information about case studies is in exercise books and on the VLE.
My Revision Notes: WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9–1) Geography B Paperback – Hodder by Stuart Currie
| ISBN: | 9781471887376 Published 30 Nov 2017 |
Exam Paper details:
Students sit all three exam papers at the end of y11. There is no controlled assessment/coursework.
Component 1
Three structured data response questions. The final part of each question will require an extended response.
Question 1 will assess aspects of Theme 1, Changing Places -Changing Economies.
Question 2 will assess aspects of Theme 2, Changing Environments.
Question 3 will assess aspects of Theme 3, Environmental Challenges.
Component 2
This component will assess content from across the themes using a variety of structured data response questions.
Part A will introduce an issue and set the geographical context.
Part B will outline a number of possible solutions to the issue.
Part C will provide an opportunity for the candidates to choose a solution and justify their choice in an extended response.
Component 3
This is a written examination in three parts using a variety of structured data response questions, some of which will require extended responses.
Part A will assess approaches to fieldwork methodology, representation and analysis.
Part B will assess how fieldwork enquiry may be used to investigate geography’s conceptual frameworks.
Part C will assess the application of broad geographical concepts to a wider UK context and assess the ability to make and justify a decision.
Students need to take part in two days of fieldwork on out of school visits in order to meet the exam board requirements for Component 3. Eduqas have this statement on their website: “In order to prepare for this component, learners are expected to undertake two fieldwork enquiries outside the classroom and school grounds, each in a contrasting environment.”
Homework:
Homework is set every week and should take about one hour.
KS5
GEOGRAPHY ‘A’ LEVEL:
Examining body : Edexcel Pearson
Course: Geography A level
Website link: Website has general information as well as past papers and mark schemes. https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html
Course outline: Geography ‘A’ level studies real world issues and places and helps students use their geographical skills to make sense of the world around them. The course makes constant links to current affairs and how political decisions can impact on geographical issues, e.g. how much money should be spent on earthquake proofing old buildings or why countries might choose to build new nuclear power stations.
What will I study?
Year 1
- Physical Geography – Tectonic Hazards, Coastal Landscapes
- Human Geography – Globalisation, Regenerating Places
- Fieldwork and Coursework
Year 2
- Physical Geography – Water cycle and Insecurity, Carbon Cycle, Energy Security.
- Human Geography – Superpowers, either Health, Human Rights and Intervention or
Migration, Identity and Sovereignty. - Synoptic Issues
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1 – 30% marks
- Physical Geography – Tectonic Hazards, Coastal Landscapes, Water cycle and Insecurity, Carbon Cycle, Energy Security.
- Mix of shorter and longer questions which can be open (using student knowledge) or data response linked to resources provided in the exam.
Paper 2 – 30% marks
- Human Geography – Globalisation, Regenerating Places, Superpowers, either Health, Human Rights and Intervention or Migration, Identity and Sovereignty.
- Mix of shorter and longer questions which can be open (using student knowledge) or data response linked to resources provided in the exam.
Paper 3 – 20% marks
- Issues Analysis – Exam questions on a booklet of new information about geographical issues raised by topics from Papers 1 and 2.
- Mix of shorter and longer questions linked to resources provided in the exam.
Paper 4 – 20% marks
- Coursework – 3000-4000 word report based on fieldwork undertaken during the course.
- Students must complete at least four days of fieldwork to meet exam board requirements.
What skills will help me?
- an interest in current affairs and the world
- enjoy working out what is happening in an area using a variety of pieces of information
- enjoy trying to work out answers or decisions using a variety of pieces of information
- enjoy observing the real world and doing fieldwork outside
- being able to plan a structure or route through a piece of work
How will I develop over the two years?
Students will learn about key geographical ideas and theories from Physical and Human Geography in Y12 and then learn how to apply them to real world situations throughout Y13. Y13 topics will also help students develop the skills needed to make links between different aspects of the geographical world. Students will also learn fieldwork and organisational skills when completing the coursework paper at the end of Y12.
Potential career paths
Outside of medicine, Geography graduates have the highest employment rates! Geographers are very employable because the subject requires a wide range of skills and the ability to analyse, interpret and comment on information or data. Many geographers work in areas like accountancy, law, surveying, ICT (particularly GIS), environmental services and other service based jobs.
Entry requirements
Students enrolling on this course require a minimum of 5 9-5 grades at GCSE with a grade 6 or above in Geography. A grade 5 or above in Maths will be needed as the course does include basic statistics.
