GCSE Geography |
This course aims to |
- Stimulate a love of the world in which we live
- Help students understand the ever changing world in which we live. Our world is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before
- Explain why the world is changing and encourage critical thinking about the causes and consequences of change
- Develop the life long habits and skills that will be required to live, work and solve problems in a future world which will be very different to today’s world.
- Provide a balance between Scientific and Humanitarian approaches to problem solving, a combination of skills highly regarded by employers.
Why study GCSE Geography? |
Geography tackles the big issues:
- environmental responsibility
- our global interdependence
- cultural understanding
- commerce and trade
The transferable skills which Geography fosters are an asset in the complex world of employment today. Geography is about the future and encourages flexible thinking. It is less likely that you will spend all your life with one company or organisation (the 'job for life'), so flexible thinking is a great attribute.
What kind of student is suitable for this course? |
Students most suitable are those who can:
- make a concise report
- handle data
- ask questions and find answers
- make decisions about an issue
- analyse material
- organise themselves
- think creatively and independently
- communicate effectively
- demonstrate social, economic and environmental awareness
- solve problems
- learn in a team
- utilise ICT to research and present their findings
- show that they are well rounded, flexible thinkers
What career options are opened up by the course? |
Compared to other subjects, Geography graduates are among the most employable. They possess the skills that employers look for. This is because the subject combines a knowledge of Science and an understanding of the Arts. Geography graduates were surveyed about their career destinations. The results show:
- 40.6% went into management and administration
- 24.8% did further training, including PGCE for teaching
- 11.4% joined the financial sector
- 10.4% joined the retail sector
- 10% joined other professions, including the media.
Geography graduates have the lowest unemployment rate of any graduates due to the large range of skills they develop.
Course Structure |
Content
Unit 1: Global Geographical Issues
Topic 1: Hazardous Earth
Topic 2: Development dynamics
Topic 3: Challenges of an urbanising world
Unit 2: UK Geographical Issues
Topic 4: UKs evolving physical landscape – coasts and rivers
Topic 5: UKs evolving human landscape including case study – Dynamic UK cities
Topic 6: Geographical investigations – physical (coasts or rivers) and human (urban or rural areas) fieldwork
Unit 3: People and Environment Issues – Making Geographical Decisions
Topic 7: People and the biosphere
Topic 8: Forests under threat
Topic 9: Consuming energy resources
Assessment
| Unit | Type of Assessment | Percentage of Final Grade |
| 1. Global Geographical Issues | Examination 1 hour 30 minutes – 94 marks | 37.5% |
| 2. UK Geographical Issues | Examination 1 hour 30 minutes – 94 marks | 37.5% |
| 3. People and Environmental Issues | Examination 1 hour 30 minutes – 64 marks | 25% |
Key Contact |
Mr Amer, Head of Geography
Syllabus Website |
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/geography-b-2016.html