Geography is the study of human and physical processes that change and affect our planet. We investigate local as well as global issues, taught through topical issues that are relevant to young people’s lives. For example, poverty, natural disasters, population change and sustainable development.
Geography gives you an opportunity to look at issues from different points of view, make decisions and develop your own reasoned opinion. Geography is a dynamic and living subject and helps students develop skills needed for the future.
| UNIT 1: (35%) | Physical Geography | ||
| Natural Hazards | The study of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes. | 9 weeks | |
| UK physical landscapes | The study of coastal landforms, processes and coastal management. | 9 weeks | |
| Living World | The study of ecosystems, cold environments, rainforests and deforestation. | 9 weeks | |
| UNIT 2: (35%) | Human Geography | ||
| Urban issues and challenges | The study of people, population growth, managing populations and migration. | 9 weeks | |
| The changing economic world | The study of the causes and consequences of development. | 9 weeks | |
| Resource management | The study of how global resources can be managed more effectively in the context of food, water and energy. | 9 weeks | |
| UNIT 3: (30%) | Geographical applications | ||
| Issue evaluation, fieldwork and geographical skills | Students will use their knowledge gained in units 1 and 2 to analyse a geographical issue. In the fieldwork component, students will carry out investigation in human and physical geography and analyse their findings. | 6 weeks | |
The course builds on the foundation of Geography studied from Years 7 – 9 and includes six main units of work and a local fieldwork investigation. The units alternate between physical and human geography.
ASSESSMENT
Examination – 100% of the final mark
- Paper One: Physical Geography (35%) – 1 hour 30 minutes exam
- Paper Two: Human Geography (35%) – 1 hour 30 minutes exam
- Paper Three: Geographical application (30%) – I hour 15 minutes
POST 16 PROGRESSION
Geography is a well- rounded subject. It explores issues that touch upon many subject areas, making it a versatile subject.
CAREER OPTIONS
Geography is extremely useful for a wide range of careers. It covers such a broad range of issues so it is a good basis for any career. Geographers who specialise further could go into environmental management, journalism, weather forecasting, climate change analysis, civil service, teaching, population analysis, planning, the travel and tourism industries, hazard prevention, etc.