Head of Department - Moira Chilton
Introduction
The Geography Department is a strong and successful department in the school and gains very good examination results at both GCSE and A Level. The subject is taught as a separate discipline throughout the school by a team of three specialist geographers and is a popular option at GCSE and A Level. There are two specialist rooms on each site.
Future fieldwork provision will form an integral part of the curriculum with local and there are day visits for KS3 and KS4 and residential at KS5.
Results -2006 - 07
Department News - 2007 - 08
Under Construction
Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9
How many lessons do pupils have per week? 1 lesson in Years 7 and 9 and 2 lessons in year 8.
How are pupils grouped? In form groups.
What do pupils learn? In KS3 a variety of text books are used, the main one being the 'Geography Matters' series.
Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11
Pupils opt for GCSE Geography at KS4 where we have approximately three groups in both Years 10 and 11. These groups have three single lessons per week.
GCSE Geography
What will I learn?
- The effect of weather and climate on peoples lives
- How people interact with ecosystems, both to conserve and exploit
- How the global hydrological cycle works, how it supplies our fresh water and the landforms it creates
- The natural and human hazards caused by rainfall and water supply and the conflicts caused by human activity
- How and why the quality of life and standard of living varies between different people and different areas of the world
- The provision of services in a town and how this affects quality of life Who makes planning decisions and what conflicts are caused
- How employment structures vary in time and place
- How development is measured and the effects of global trade and aid
What is the structure of the course?
The course is divided into four units:
- Climate, Environment and People
- Water, Landforms and People
- People and Place
- People, Work and Development
How will I be assessed?
Two exam papers: - 75% (each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes)
A revision paper - 45%
A decision making paper - 30%
Two pieces of coursework: - 25%
One following a field trip - 15%
One on a relevant issue - 10%
There is the choice of either the Foundation or the Higher paper.
What skills and interests do I need to have?
- You will need to be interested in people and their relationship to the environment. In places and cultures around the world and how the environment can be managed and sustained.
- An interest in local and national news events which affect people's relationship with the environment would be helpful.
- You will further develop your map work skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills and issues analysis. You will need to be able to work individually as well as in a group.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
Successful completion in this subject at Level 2 (GCSE C or above) will allow you to have a range of options in 2010. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE).
GCSE Geography may be required by a number of training programs, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level.
Key Stage 5 - Years 12 and 13
Pupils opt for AS and A2 Geography at KS5.
AS and A2 Geography
What will I learn?
- To apply geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret our changing world
- To develop an awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economies, cultures and environments at scales from local to global.
- To develop as global citizens who recognise the challenges of sustainability and the implications for their own and others' lives.
- To improve as critical and reflective learners aware of theimportance of attitudes and values, including their own
- Hopefully, to be inspired by the world around them, and gain enjoyment and satisfaction from their geographical studies and understand their relevance
Who is the course for?
This course will appeal to those students who:
- Have an interest in and concern for the environment
- Are interested in current affairs
- Want the opportunity to carry out practical work outdoors as well as class work
- Enjoy travel and finding out about new people, places, landscapes and events
What is the structure of the course?
The course is divided into four Units, two taken in each of the 2 year course.
The AS course consists of:
Unit 1 - Global Challenges
Unit 2 - Geographical investigations
The A2 course consists of:
Unit 3 - Contested Planet
Unit 4 - Geographical Research
What do I need to know or do before being able to take the course?
Students should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
As with all Level 3 subjects, successful completion of this course will enable progression onto both further and higher education, a Modern Apprenticeship or employment in a range of industries. Geography is the only subject at advanced level which combines both the sciences and the arts - this ensures that this qualification is marketable to future employers due to its diversity. Skills developed in this subject will be useful in all aspects of the changing world of work and in higher education
How will I be assessed?
The AS course is the first half of the full A2 course.
Unit 1
Assessed by a one and a half hour exam divided into short answer and essay style questions. This makes up 60% of the total AS marks and 30% of the total GCE marks.
Unit 2
A one hour exam which will include data response, investigation and evaluation skills. This makes up 40% of the total AS marks and 20% of the total GCE marks.
Unit 3
Assessed by an exam lasting 2 and a half hours. This is divided into two sections; containing two short essay questions and a synoptic investigation. This makes up 60% of the total A2 marks and 30% of the total GCE marks.
Unit 4
Assessed by a one hour and thirty minute exam which will consist of one essay question.
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