Geography
AQA
Geography is a subject at the heart of our collective future. Take the global issues facing this generation and the next: climate change, mass migration, food insecurity, flooding etc. Many will be addressed by those who have studied Geography.
Geographers are very much in demand. As a subject, it is extremely well respected by employers and universities alike because it prepares pupils for both the great world of work and further academic studies by developing a range of useful, transferable skills.
Geography is a unique subject because it looks at both the physical structure of the planet and the social structure. With geography it is possible to understand the social, economic and physical forces which shape our world. The course emphasises the relationship between people and their environment and adopts a problem-solving approach to a range of issues. Students develop a wide range of skills including report writing, graphical, cartographical, statistical and analytical skills.
Students will get the opportunity to engage in fieldwork and 15% of all marks are awarded in relation to these skills. In line with exam board requirements, we spend 3 days in Wales to support this aspect, at a cost of approximately £190 for full board accommodation, transport and teaching.
Paper 1 focuses on physical elements for example natural hazards, coasts, extreme weather and climate change. While Paper 2 covers human topics such as urban challenges (slums, crime, regeneration), economic issues (development, aid, tourism) and resource management. The two halves combine for Paper 3 where issue evaluation and fieldwork are the focus.
Pupils choosing geography will need to demonstrate adequate literacy, numeracy and spatial skills alongside a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. A positive attitude to understanding cultures from all over the world is also assumed.
Assessment
Unit 1 - Living with the Physical Environment.
Assessed in paper 1. Answer questions from 3 sections.
1hr 30mins
35% of GCSE
Unit 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment.
Assessed in paper 2. Answer questions from 3 sections.
Unit 3 – Geographical Applications.
Assessed in paper 3. Answer questions from 2 sections.
1hr 15mins
30% of GCSE
For further details about this course please contact Mrs L. Stanley, Head of Geography.