GCSE Geography
Course objectives
GCSE Geography AQA specification offers a different approach to delivering Geography, focusing on geographical issues and challenges and how these affect our world.
This course offers a stimulating and imaginative issue-based approach to Geography an insight into future challenges through the study of current issues of local, national and global importance an awareness of mankind's responsibilities to other people, the environment and the sustainability of the planet. It also provides the opportunity to study the physical geography of different places and environments.
Study of this course will give students of all backgrounds the opportunity to develop:
- Communication skills
- Graphical and cartographical skills
- Technological skills, including ICT and GIS
- Interpersonal skills through debate and discussion
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Entrepreneurial skills and awareness of career possibilities
Unit information
Living with the physical environment
(Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes / 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPGST) / 35% of GCSE)
- Section A - The challenge of natural hazards - tectonic hazards, tropical storms, extreme weather in the UK, climate change
- Section B - The living world - ecosystems, tropical rainforests, hot deserts
- Section C - Physical landscapes in the UK - coastal landscape, river landscapes
Challenges in the human environment
(Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes / 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPGST) / 35% of GCSE)
- Section A - Urban issues and challenges
- Section B - The changing economic world
- Section C - The challenge of resource management
Geographical applications
(Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes / 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPGST) / 30% of GCSE / Pre-release resources made available from March in the year of the exam)
- Section A - Issue evaluation
- Section B - Fieldwork
- Section C - Geographical skills
Why study
Statistics show that students who study Geography are amongst the most employable. Skills that are taught include problem solving, graphical and ICT, discussion and entrepreneurial skills are the qualities which employers look for.
Geography will help you to be more aware of everyday life and problems of the people who live in your local area, other part of the United Kingdom, Europe and the rest of the world. Geography is a highly topical subject, ever changing as world events unfold. Studying Geography explains how and why it is changing and helps you to prepare for those changes.
Careers options
Aid Worker, Environmental Scientist, Meteorologist, Architect, Volcanologist, Travel Agent, Disaster Management, Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Advertiser.
Key contact
Mrs E Lincoln