Welcome to the GEOGRaPHY Department

Why study GCSE Geography?

The aim of the course is to give students a better understanding of the world they live in.
You will be able to explore the natural and human environment and the challenges they face.
You will also develop a range of transferable skills such as independent enquiry, creative thinking and
teamwork.

This is the subject for you if you have an interest in the environment, natural hazards, climate change and different places around the world.

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Geography specification. This course comprises of 3 units:

  • Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment (35%)
  • Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment (35%)
  • Unit 3: Geographical Applications (30%)
How Will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of different ways including teamwork, independent enquiry and fieldwork investigations. You will also use a range of resources such as IT, Geographical Information Systems, atlases, news articles and multimedia resources.

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment (35%)

This is a 1-hour, 30-minute exam based on natural hazards, the living world and physical landscapes across the UK.

Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment (35%)

This is a 1-hour, 30-minute exam looking at urban issues and challenges in Rio de Janeiro and Portsmouth. Students will also study the changing economic world with a focus on Nigeria and the UK and will look at the challenge of resource management with a focus on water.

Unit 3: Geographical Applications (30%)

This is a 1-hour, 30-minute exam. The first section will be focused on a geographical issue studied from Unit 1 or 2 and will involve
making a decision for the future. Students will receive a resource booklet 12 weeks prior to this exam to help you prepare for the
decision-making element with their teacher.

The second section focuses on fieldwork completed by students and will question their techniques and findings.

What fieldwork takes place?

Students will be required to complete two fieldwork trips – one human and one physical. They will then be asked questions linked
to this in the Unit 3 exam. Both field trips will be within the city.

What do I need to succeed?

Students wishing to take GCSE Geography need to be hardworking, motivated and organised. They will need an enquiring mind, an
enthusiasm to learn and a willingness to succeed. Skills make up 20% of the Geography GCSE so students will need adequate Numeracy skills as well as the ability to complete extended writing tasks.