GCSE Geography Years 10 & 11
Specification
The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: Geography A (9–1) from 2016 | Pearson qualifications
What will I study?
| Content Overview | Course Content | Assessment Overview |
|---|---|---|
| The Physical Environment |
The Changing Landscapes of the UK Weather Hazards and Climate Change Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management |
Written Examination 1h 30m Paper 94 Marks 37.5% Qualification Weighting |
| The Human Environment |
Changing Cities Global Redevelopment Resource management |
Written Examination 1h 30m Paper 94 Marks 37.5% Qualification Weighting |
| Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges |
Geographical Investigations in the Physical Environment – Rivers Geographical Investigations in the Human Environment – Central/Inner Urban Area The UK’s Challenges |
Written Examination 1h 30m Paper 64 Marks 25% Qualification Weighting |
Fieldwork
Fieldwork must be undertaken as part of the GCSE course on two occasions. This fieldwork will take place in two contrasting locations. In the spring term of Year 10 there is a fieldwork visit to the River Witham to investigate river processes and landscapes, and in the summer term a visit to Lincoln to investigate urban processes. The assessment of fieldwork will take place within the Geographical Investigations paper.
How will I learn?
You will learn through reading, writing, discussions, listening, analysing data, developing presentation skills using maps and diagrams, the use of applied programmes in ICT and the use of statistics as an analytical tool. Geography Information Systems using digital technology are now a requirement for all Geography courses.
What skills and qualities are required?
- Analytical Skills.
- Communications skills.
- Evaluation skills.
- Organisational skills.
- Initiative.
- Independent learning and research skills.
- Working with others.
- Self-motivation.
Where could it lead?
Geography is recognised for its academic ‘robustness’ and, most importantly, it also helps young people into the world of work. We know this is true because so many employers prize the knowledge and skills that studying geography can provide, be it knowing how the world works, planning research and report writing, working in a team, using new technologies and communication skills – and much more. You will find geographers working in a wide range of jobs, from the City to planning, working in the environment to travel and tourism, or in international charities or retail. Studying geography can help young people achieve careers that are professionally and financially rewarding and enjoyable.
Year 10
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | The Changing UK Landscapes |
Geological variations in the UK. Physical and human processes that create the UK’s distinctive landscapes. The interaction between physical processes to create coastal landscapes. Coastal landforms of erosion and deposition. The interaction between humans and the coastal landscape which affect people and the environment. The interaction between physical processes to create river landscapes. River landscapes of erosion and deposition. The interaction between humans and the river landscapes which affect people and the environment. |
Geological maps OS map cross sections Locating physical geography features Locating human geography features Weather and climate data interpretation Constructing storm hydrographs using rainfall and discharge data |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Weather Hazards and Climate Change |
Global atmospheric circulation. The history and future of natural climatic changes. Anthropogenic climate change characteristics and futures. The characteristics of the UK’s climate. Conditions and characteristics of tropical storm formation. Causes, impacts and responses to natural meteorological hazards – tropical storms. Conditions and characteristics of drought. Causes, impacts and responses to natural meteorological hazards – drought. Locational variations in the causes of meteorological hazards. Developmental implications on resilience and preparedness to natural meteorological hazards. |
Interpretation of graphs, maps, charts, and datasets. The use of GIS to track the movements of meteorological hazards. Use of weather and storm surge data to calculate Saffir-Simpson magnitude. Use of social media, satellite and socio-economic data sources to assess the impacts of meteorological hazards. |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Ecosystems Biodiversity and Management |
The distribution and location of global biomes and ecosystems. Determination of biosphere characteristics and components. The UK’s unique and distinctive terrestrial and marine biomes and ecosystems. The features and characteristics of the deciduous woodland. The goods and services provided by the deciduous woodland. Threats to the deciduous woodland. The features and characteristics of the tropical rainforests. The goods and services provided by the tropical rainforests. Threats to the tropical rainforest ecosystem. |
World maps to determine the distribution of global biomes. Interpretation and construction of climate graphs using data. Interpretation of GIS to determine biome and ecosystem characteristics. Nutrient and hydrological cycles. Interpretation of graphs, charts, maps, and data. |
Year 11
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Changing Cities | Global Development |
The processes of urbanisation, reurbanisation, counter urbanisation and suburbanisation. The variations in urban processes across the UK. The study of a major UK city and a city in a developing/emerging country, its influences, structures, patterns of migration, employment, services, globalisation, economic challenges, social challenges and long term solutions to these challenges. |
Interpretation of maps, graphs, charts, and data. Using satellite and GIS data to determine patterns of urban development. Thematic, choropleth, and GIS maps to help contextualise theoretical changes. Interpretation of census data. Calculating ecological footprints using a range of data sources. |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Global Development | Energy Resources |
Defining and componentising development and its characteristics. How to measure development within and between countries. The varying levels of global development. Uneven development and its associated consequences on the social, economic, and environmental paradigms. The strategies used to address uneven development across the globe. The study of developmental factors in a developing/emerging country including: levels of development; interactions of social, economic and environmental factors in development; the role of geopolitics in development; social, economic and demographic processes in development; impacts of rapid changes to urban processes; changes in technology and globalisation. |
Rankings for global development. Interpretation of a range of maps, graphs, charts, and data. Numerical and economic data. Interpreting population pyramids. |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Energy Resources | Revision |
The distribution of natural resources. Natural resources and the environment that can be used to meet human needs. The patterns, distribution, and consumption of natural resources on a global and national scale. Renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Proportional energy resource, demand, consumption, and management. Demand and consumption of renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Energy interventions on an international, regional, and local scale. Management of energy resources on an international, regional and local scale. |
Interpretation of a range of maps, graphs, charts, and data. Calculation of carbon and ecological footprints. |
Assessments
| Resources | Topic | Type of assessment |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 1 | The Changing Landscapes of the UK |
Exam Style Questions & Past Paper Questions ranging from 1-mark multiple choice to 8-mark extended writing questions. Questions will assess student understanding of the assessment objectives outlined below: AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes, environments, and different scales. AO2: Demonstrate geographical understanding of: concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes, and the inter-relationships between places, environments, and processes. AO3: Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements. AO4: Select, adapt, and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings. |
| CAT 2 | The Changing Landscapes of the UK | Weather Hazards and Climate Change | |
| CAT 3 | The Changing Landscapes of the UK | Weather Hazards and Climate Change | Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management | |
| CAT 4 | The Changing Landscapes of the UK | Weather Hazards and Climate Change | Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management |
Exam Style Questions & Past Paper Questions ranging from 1-mark multiple choice to 8-mark extended writing questions. Questions will assess student understanding of the assessment objectives outlined below: AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes, environments, and different scales. AO2: Demonstrate geographical understanding of: concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes, and the inter-relationships between places, environments, and processes. AO3: Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements. AO4: Select, adapt, and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings. |
| CAT 5 | The Changing Landscapes of the UK | Weather Hazards and Climate Change | Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management | Changing Cities | Global Development | Geographical Investigations | |
| CAT 6 | The Changing Landscapes of the UK | Weather Hazards and Climate Change | Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management | Changing Cities | Global Development | Geographical Investigations |
Main Resources
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Text books |
Geography A Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Geographical Themes and Challenges ISBN: 978-1-4469-2775-5 |
| Revision Guides |
Geography A Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Geographical Themes and Challenges (2nd Edition) ISBN: 978-1-471-88725-3 |
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Recommended websites |
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/ http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/gcsebitesize/ https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/geography-a-2016.html
|
Enrichment opportunities
| Activity | Day and time or term |
|---|---|
| Awe and Wonder Tour | An annual oversees expedition with limited places – Spring Term (during holiday time) |
| Wide World GCSE Magazine Subscription | Pupils can subscribe to these in September, four magazines comprising of September, October, February, and April Editions |
| Year 10 Field Work |
River Witham – Spring Term Lincoln – Summer Term |
