We currently follow the AQA GCSE specification (8035). For the students who opt to study Geography at GCSE, there are three examined units:
Paper 1 (88 marks) 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE)
Paper 2 (88 marks) 1 hour 30 minutes (35% of GCSE)
Paper 3 (76 marks) 1 hour 15 minutes (30% of GCSE)
Question types: multiple-choice, short answer, levels of response and extended prose (12 marks).
Paper 1 - Living with the physical environment
The challenge of natural hazards - Types of hazard and hazard risk. Plate tectonic theory, volcanoes and earthquakes. Global circulation of the atmosphere, tropical storms and extreme weather in the UK. Possible causes of climate change, its effects and responses.
The living world - Small scale ecosystems in the UK. Characteristics of the tropical rainforest and causes and impacts of deforestation. Sustainable management of the tropical rainforest. Hot deserts.
Physical landscapes in the UK - Coastal landscapes – how rock type, structure and physical processes create distinctive coastal landforms. Coastal management. River landscapes – fluvial landforms and flood management schemes.
Paper 2 - Challenges in the human environment
Urban issues and challenges - Global patterns of urban change and megacities. Case study of a city in a LIC (Low Income Country) or NEE (Newly Emerging Economy). Case study of a major city in the UK. Features of sustainable urban living.
The changing economic world - Different economic and social measures of development and the Demographic Transition Model. The causes and consequences of uneven development. Strategies to reduce the global development gap. Rapid economic development in a LIC or NEE. Economic change in the UK.
The challenge of resource management - Global inequalities in food, water and energy. The changing demand and provision of food, energy and water in the UK. Global patterns of water surplus and deficit. Impacts of water insecurity. Sustainable water supplies.
Paper 3 - Geographical applications
This is a synoptic exam and has two parts:
Issue evaluation – students will be required to draw together knowledge, understanding and skills from the full course of study. Students will be provided with a pre-released booklet of resources (12 weeks before the exam) which will include a range of resources (maps at different scales, diagrams, graphs, statistics, photographs, satellite images, sketches, extracts from published materials and quotes from different interest groups). Students will use these resources within the exam to analyse a geographical issue at a range of scales, consider and select a possible option in relation to the issue(s) and justify their decision.
Fieldwork - Students will be required to complete two pieces of fieldwork in contrasting environments. This will involve a compulsory day trip towards the end of Year 10. Students will answer questions about these fieldwork experiences in the exam.
How is numeracy incorporated into the GCSE?
Mathematical and statistical techniques will be an integral part of the GCSE Geography course and will include:
Cartographic skills - The use of a range of maps, atlases, Ordnance Survey maps satellite imagery and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). An understanding of:
- gradient, contours, spot heights, cross sections and transects
- use of coordinates, scale and distance
- choropleth, flow-line and isoline maps
Graphical skills - The drawing and interpretation of bar charts, pie charts, pictograms, line charts, histograms and population pyramids.
Numerical skills - An understanding of:
- number, area and scale
- proportion and ratio, magnitude and frequency
Statistical skills - An understanding of:
- central tendency, spread and cumulative frequency (median, mean, range, quartiles and inter-quartile range, mode and modal class)
- percentage increase or decrease and the use of percentiles
- relationships in bivariate data: trend lines and lines of best fit
When are the topics taught over the three year GCSE?
Year 9
- The challenge of natural hazards
- The challenge of resource management
Year 10
- Physical landscapes of the UK – River Landscapes
- Urban issues and challenges
- Physical landscapes of the UK – Coastal Landscapes
- Hunstanton fieldwork follow-up
Year 11
- The changing economic world
- The living world
- Issue evaluation
- Final revision