Remove and 5th Form Curriculum

Geography

Geography is a lively and interesting subject which helps pupils develop their own sense of place within a broad and relevant context. It fosters an understanding and awareness of various physical and human environments and an appreciation of the challenges and issues related to them. As a GCSE subject it has a breadth and variety that provides a worthwhile challenge to pupils of all abilities.

The Syllabus adopted for examination in June 2008 is the Edexcel Syllabus A. It has four core units which are studied in a global context:

These four core units will be examined by two terminal papers with a combined worth of 75% of the final assessment; the other 25% of the assessment is for coursework.

1. The Physical World to include the study of the processes and characteristic landforms in river, glacial and coastal environments.
2. The Human World to include the study of population change and structure and settlement.
3. The Economic World to include the study of agriculture and industry.
4. The Natural World to include the study of weather, climate and forest environments.

It also has four option units from which two will be chosen for study:

1. Managing the Environment to include the study of the management of coastal, river and two other fragile environments.
2. Managing Hazards to include the study of the impact and management of tectonic and climatic hazards.
3. Managing Tourism to include the study of the development, impact and management of tourism in a variety of environments.
4. Managing Urban Areas to include the study of changes in MEDC cities and the growth of urban areas in LEDCs as well as the related management issues.

The coursework component involves ONE piece of work of approximately 2000 words which must be related to the syllabus and be based on the direct fieldwork experience of the candidates. The fieldwork experience has traditionally been provided by one full day teacher-led field study to Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, to study coastal geography. This will be in the autumn term of the Fifth year. Candidates are required to use ICT in the production of their coursework.

Geography is a non-vocational subject, but this does not mean it is not useful. Employers are keen on geographers because the subject relies on the broadest range of key skills, including literacy, numeracy, graphicacy, practical approaches to problem-solving and data handling skills for secondary sources, as well as requiring personal and communications skills. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their use of information technology during the course.

Geography is a worthwhile and popular subject that, by its nature, complements the core subjects and provides a rewarding and interesting complement to all subject combinations. If you have any doubts about its value or the nature of the course do not hesitate to contact the Head of Geography or one of the other members of the Department.

There will be a small additional charge for field work and for subscription to Wideworld, a quarterly journal to support pupils taking GCSE Geography.

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