Geography

Programme of study

Geography develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live today. Topics are chosen from a range of physical and human options explored through relevant case studies in their own world and the fast changing world around them. Geography encourages students to ask questions about the world they live in, process ideas and evaluate key global issues. Geography students are given the opportunity to develop opinions, assess the reliability of evidence and communicate ideas and information in a variety of formats.

Students will have numerous opportunities to take part in extra – curricular activities within the subject, focusing on fieldwork and geographical skills. The department leads a number of field trips into different localities. This permits students to carry out primary data collection and experience elements of core Geography in a real world setting.

How is the course structured & assessed?

Students will sit three examination papers at the end of Year 11. These are outlined below:

Component One: Changing Physical and Human Landscapes.

The topics for this paper are:

Landscapes and Physical processes 

Rural-Urban Links

Tectonic landscapes and Hazards

Component Two: Environmental and Developmental Issues. 

The themes for this paper are:

Weather, Climate and Ecosystems 

Development and Resource Issues 

Social Development Issues

Component Three: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry

Students will compete two pieces of fieldwork in contrasting areas to develop critical enquiry skills. Throughout all of the units, there will also be opportunities to develop their cartographical, statistical and graphical skills. 

Component One: One exam (worth 35% of the qualification) available in one tier. Component Two: One exam (worth 35% of the qualification) available in one tier. Component Three: One exam (worth 30% of the qualification) available in one tier.

Students will also complete a decision making exercise. The justification for their chosen decision will be assessed through one 12 mark extended writing question.

Each exam will be 1 hour & 30 minutes.

What can these qualifications lead to?

Geography develops skills in literacy, numeracy, ICT, problem solving, teamwork and thinking skills. Students can go on to study Geography at A Level in our Sixth Form and beyond that at degree level.

In addition, the subject equips students with important skills that are transferable in the ever changing and competitive workplace. Students develop the ability to think analytically, gather relevant information, evaluate facts and apply their own point of view. Future careers can include a wide range of sectors including scientific research, health care, social work, accountancy, retail, teaching, business and finance, journalism, marketing / sales and advertising, as well as town planning and the travel and tourism industry.