KS4 Geography

Year 9

Students are given the opportunity in Year 8 to opt for Geography, and they complete a foundation course for GCSE studying a variety of themes and practising the skills that will be needed at GCSE. Topics include:

• Enter the Dragon – the Rise and Rise of China
• The Geography of Conflict
• Extreme Eco-Systems
• Rivers – including a field work trip to investigate local river systems.

GCSE Geography begins in the Summer Term of Year 9.

GCSE Geography Course Content

Exam Board: AQA

There are eight geographic topics taught in three discrete units.  Overarching geographical skills are taught across various topics within each unit.

Living with the Physical Environment This unit will be taught in three topics where students will study: natural hazards including tectonic hazards, climatic hazards and climate change; ecosystems including tropical rainforests and hot desert ecosystems; and physical landscapes including coastal and river landscapes of the UK.

This unit is largely focused on physical geography from both around the world and within the UK. This will enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the environments of their home country whilst giving them a broader understanding of the variety of environments around the world.

Challenges in the Human Environment This unit will also be taught in three topics where students will study: urban issues and challenges; the changing economic world; and challenges of resource management including food and water management.

The unit focuses on human geography and the impact of rapid urbanisation and economic growth.  This will enable students to investigate some of the resource and pollution issues facing the world now and in the near future.

Geographic Application This unit will be taught in two parts.  The ‘Issue Evaluation’ will involve a synoptic evaluation of topics taught in the previous two units.  Students will analyse a booklet received 12 weeks before the exam in order to demonstrate geographical and evaluative skills.

Fieldwork will be carried out through one data gathering field trip around Hengistbury Head and Christchurch, and several weeks of in-class analysis.  The results will then be assessed through a final exam at the end of the course.

Assessment

Living with the Physical Environment 35%

• three sections totalling 88 marks (1 ½ hours)

Challenges in the Human Environment 35%

• three sections totalling 88 marks (1½ hours)

Geographical Applications 30%

• two sections totalling 76 marks (1 ¼ hours)

Geography exams no longer have tiered entry or Controlled Assessment.