Geography

What are the key features of the programmes of study?

Geography provides our students with a variety of topics, which builds on their knowledge of the world around them. Through Years 7, 8 and 9 our students will focus on a range of topics, which cover both human and physical geography, with, field work opportunities in each year. All lessons have been designed to teach the necessary skills and content needed at GCSE and for the future. We strive to stimulate our students and take into account individual needs through a range of activities, therefore developing an interest in the world in which they live.  Finally, we ensure that we cover a number of local and global geographical issues, which directly affect our students.

What will my child study in Year 7?

Students will study: Introduction to Geography and the world around us, Map Skills, Climate Change and Resources Reliance.

What will my child study in Year 8?

The students study:  Distinctive Landscapes (Glaciated, Fluvial and Coastal), Urban Futures and Sustainable Ecosystems.

What will my child study in Year 9?

The students will study: Global Hazards (Geology, Soils and Natural Hazards), World Development and start their GCSE course in the summer term. This will include UK in the 21st Century.       

How is my child assessed?

At Key Stage 3 all students conduct one assessment per unit of work, or one assessment per half term. Again, these are varied and assess a range of different skills. Students will conduct these assessments in lessons through different formats (exam and fieldwork assessment). Students will also conduct some of the assessments individually and in groups.

How are the groups organised?

All students are taught in mixed ability groups.

What equipment is needed?

No specialist equipment is required for Geography. Exercise book (provided by department), pen (blue or black), purple pen, pencil, ruler and eraser.

GCSE GEOGRAPHY
Examination Board:  OCR     Course Number: J384

What is the course about?

We will be studying OCR Geography B specification - Geography for Enquiring Minds. This has been designed to ensure that all students are able to answer some of the big questions in the world today such as ‘How can weather be hazardous?’, ‘Why should tropical rainforests matter to us?’ and ‘Can we feed nine billion people by 2050?’ This enquiry based specification allows you to engage in all aspects of Geography and ensure that you are able to link your studies to the world around you.

What skills and ideas will I learn?

The course has been designed to develop a wide range of practical, technical, intellectual, social and communication skills; the ability to observe, collect, interpret, analyse, evaluate and communicate geographical information.  These include map work, fieldwork and the use of IT.                 

How is the course assessed?

Students will sit 3 exams at the end of year 11:

Our Natural World - 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 35% of the GCSE. This exam will cover all of the knowledge relating to your studies in different physical Geography topics.

People and Society- 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 35% of the GCSE. This exam will cover all of the knowledge relating to the Human Geography elements of the course.

Geographical Exploration - 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 30% of the GCSE. This exam will allow you to demonstrate your geographical skills and ability to interpret data, which you will be practising throughout the course.

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

GCSE Geography can lead to A-Level Geography and will link well to a range of other A-Level courses in which you may be interested.  This can lead you into university or to a wide range of jobs with Geography graduates amongst the most employable due to their ability to combine adaptability with specialist knowledge.

Key Stage 3 

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are given homework every two weeks. This will primarily focus on the three Rs (Research, Revise and Reflect) and look to complement learning in the classroom or prepare them for future lessons. Much of the homework set is designed to promote and support creativity, the GCSE and end of term assessments.

It is also intended that students will be able to participate in a range of fieldwork activities over the three years. This will utilise the school site as well as local environments. There is also extra-curricular provision provided in the form of local trips, one of which is to the Arundel Wetlands Centre in Year 9. All of these trips enhance skills needed at GCSE.

Key Stage 4 

Students will sit 3 exams at the end of year 11:

Our Natural World - 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 35% of the GCSE. This exam will cover all of the knowledge relating to your studies in different physical Geography topics.

People and Society- 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 35% of the GCSE. This exam will cover all of the knowledge relating to the Human Geography elements of the course.

Geographical Exploration - 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 30% of the GCSE. This exam will allow you to demonstrate your geographical skills and ability to interpret data, which you will be practising throughout the course.