GCSE Geography
Why study geography?
Geography prepares for the world of work - geographers, with their skills of analysis are highly employable! With climate change currently the world's hottest topic, geography is a hugely relevant subject, combining elements of the social sciences and humanities alongside comprehension of physical landscapes. The study of geography stimulates an interest in, and a sense of wonder about, places. It helps you to make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. Geography inspires you to become a global citizen by exploring your own place in the world, your values and responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.
What areas would you study?
Within geography we study a combination of human and physical geography. We look at the ways in which people interact and affect the environment on different scales. Topics range from looking at coastal and fluvial environments (with a focus on the UK), tectonic processes, globalisation and tourism and how a continued population growth has impacts on different environments. Geography links to everything you know about the world. It is the world around you!
How do you learn?
Geographical enquiry encourages you to question, investigate and to think critically about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Geography is the study of your surroundings which you are expected to have an awareness of. An interest in current affairs will provide an excellent basis for case studies, improving and expanding on your knowledge. You will learn to use maps, visual images and new technologies to obtain, present and analyse information. Lessons are taught through a mix of text-book work, group/teacher interaction and the use of ICT, both for independent study and research and also to gather up-to-date data via the use of programmes and websites such as Google Earth. You will also undertake fieldwork at different locations to help you understand how theoretical processes work in real life situations.
How are you assessed?
100% examination
Paper 1: living with the physical environment (35% of GCSE; 90 minute exam)
Paper 2: challenges in the human environment (35% of GCSE; 90 minute exam)
Paper 3: geographical applications and fieldwork (30% of GCSE; 60 minute exam)
Where will this take me post-16?
Geography at GCSE not only allows, but also prepares, students to follow A-level geography at post-16. The skills you use in your geographical studies make you of potential interest to a wide range of employers, and geographers use the skills that they have acquired to work as environmental and transport consultants, surveyors, cartographers and architects. In addition, many geographers move into finance, law, accountancy, marketing or the civil service.