KS4 Geography

GCSE Geography

Two of the main advantages of studying Geography are that it enables people to make sense of the rapidly changing world in which we live as well as helping with many current exciting careers in sustainable Urban Redevelopment, Environmental Management, Hazard Management, sustainable Energy Supplies, plus a host of other opportunities.

Geography is a subject that both universities and employers value. This is due to the skills that you develop whilst studying the course, including; decision making, problem solving and handling data. On top of this it is considered very highly by all colleges and universities due to its academic status. Many people that choose to study Geography at GCSE are keen to continue onto A-Level, furthermore Geography is currently in the top five most popular degrees to study at University.

It would be impossible to study Geography without seeing other places in the world for yourself. Therefore, there will be opportunities to undertake field work in the UK, with enquiry based Geography being an essential aspect of the new GCSE. By carrying out fieldwork, students practise a range of skills, gain new geographical insights and begin to appreciate different perspectives on the world around them. For the new GCSE fieldwork must be undertaken on at least two occasions covering both the physical and human aspects of Geography.

 

The course studied in Year 10 and 11 is AQA GCSE Geography

This contains three summer examinations:

  • Paper 1:  Living with the physical environment (35%)
  • Paper 2: Challenges of the human environment (35%)
  • Paper 3: Geographical applications (30%)

The syllabus covers a mixture of physical and human geography which are vital for understanding interdependence in today’s society. The physical geography topics include; Natural Hazards,  Climate Change, Physical Landscapes and  Ecosystems. The human geography aspects cover topics such as; Urban Issues and challenges, The Changing Economic World and  Resource Management.