Geography

Overview

Introduction

This course will enable students to think ‘like a geographer’. By following this specification, they will achieve the following objectives:

• Develop the ability to think creatively, for example, by posing questions that relate to geographical processes and concepts that include questioning about spatial pattern and geographical change.
• Develop the ability to think scientifically by collecting and recording appropriate evidence from a range of sources, including fieldwork, before critically assessing the validity of this evidence and synthesising their findings to reach evidenced conclusions that relate to the initial aim of their enquiry.
• Develop the ability to think independently by applying geographical knowledge, understanding, skills and approaches appropriately and creatively to real world contexts. In so doing they should appreciate that geography can be ‘messy’ i.e. that real geography does not always match typical or predicted outcomes.

Qualification

GCSE

Awarding body

WJEC Eduqas

Course leader

Mrs R Siddall

Assessment

• Examination: 100%
  • Paper 1: investigating geographical issues | 1 hour 45 minutes | 40%
  • Paper 2: problem solving geography | 1 hour 30 minutes | 30%
  • Paper 3: applied fieldwork enquiry | 1 hour 30 minutes | 30%
• Non-examined assessment: 0%

Curriculum

Course content

The course covers three themes, in which students are encouraged to take an enquiry approach to a range of contemporary geographical and environmental issues:

• Theme 1: changing places – changing economies.
• Theme 2: changing environments.
• Theme 3: environmental challenges.

The exam papers each cover content from all the themes: 

• Paper 1 (investigating geographical issues): assesses content from all three compulsory themes of the specification. There are three structured questions, each of 32 marks, which include opportunities for assessment using multiple choice, data response, short open response and extended responses.
• Paper 2 (problem solving geography): a problem solving paper in three parts assessing content from across the three themes. Part A introduces an issue and set the geographical context. Part B outlines a number of possible solutions to the issue. Part C provides an opportunity for students to choose a solution and justify their choice.
• Paper 3 (applied fieldwork enquiry): part A assesses approaches to fieldwork methodology, representation and analysis. Part B assesses how fieldwork enquiry may be used to investigate geography's conceptual frameworks. Part C assesses the application of broad geographical concepts to a wider UK context and assesses the ability to make and justify a decision.

Topics

Theme 1: Changing Places – Changing Economies

• Urbanisation in contrasting global cities.
• Urban and rural processes and change in the UK.
• A global perspective on development issues.

Theme 2: changing environments

• Shaping the landscape - coasts and coastal management.
• Shaping the landscape - rivers and river management.
• Weather and climate.
• Climate change - cause and effect.

Theme 3: environmental challenges

• How ecosystems function.
• Ecosystems under threat.
• Water resources and management.
• Desertification.

Skills and requirements

Skills required

• Literacy – the ability to read and write fluently.
• Numeracy skills – 25% of your final mark will come from questions that test your numerical, statistical and data analysis skills.
• Listening skills.
• The ability to engage in group activity.
• Even more importantly an interest in the world around you!

Beyond the classroom

Future pathways

Geography is great for any kind of career that involves the environment, planning, or collecting and interpreting data. Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include: town or transport planning, surveying, conservation, sustainability, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and weather forecasting.

The army, police, government, research organisations, the law and business world also love the practical research skills that geographers develop.

As geographers learn about human and population development, geography can be useful for jobs in charity and international relations too.