Geography in
Year 10 and Year 11
1. Which specification will I be studying?
AQA GCSE Geography A. You can have a look at all the documentation on the AQA website at www.aqa.org.uk. (Under GCSEs from 2009)
The specification is designed to provide students following GCSE geography with a course that develops a sound understanding and knowledge of geographical themes, issues and skills. A people-environment theme is adopted throughout the specification highlighting the importance of this interaction. The use of examples and case studies is fundamental in the delivery of the specification detail in order to achieve meaningful understanding of the themes being studied. The case studies and examples are studies at a variety of scales and in differing environments including areas at various stages of economic development.
2. What topics will I be studying?
There is a balanced study of both physical and human geography:
Ice on the land, The Coastal Zone and Rocks, Resources and Scenery
Population Change, Globalisation and Tourism
Follow the links below to see a full outine of each programme of study.
The teaching schedule for the two years is shown on the linked page Course Summary.
3. How will I be assessed?
Assessment is non modular. The two externally set examinations, Unit 1 and Unit 2 are sat at the end of the two year course. These make up 75% of the final grade.
The Local Fieldwork Investigation (also known as Controlled Assessment) is completed during the course, following data collection in May of Year 10 and makes up 25% of the final grade.
Unit 1: Physical Geography
External exam in June
37.5% of the total marks
1 hour 30 min
Unit 1 consists of Section A and Section B. Students are required to answer three questions, one from Section A and one from Section B plus free choice of one other.
Unit 2: Human Geography
External exam in June
37.5% of the total marks
1 hour 30 min
Unit 2 consists of Section A and Section B. Students are required to answer three questions, one from Section A and one from Section B plus free choice of one other.
Unit 3: Local Fieldwork Investigation
25% of the total marks
Marked out of 60. Maximum word guidance of 2000.
6 hour write-up under direct supervision.
Assessment is non modular. The two examinations, Unit 1 and Unit 2 are set at the end of the two year course. These make up 75% of the final grade.
The Local Fieldwork Investigation (also known as Controlled Assessment) is completed during the course, following data collection in May of Year 10 and makes up 25% of the final grade.
4. Fieldwork
-
Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District – a voluntary weekend trip scheduled for September in Year 11. This will be an opportunity to take in some famous landscape features resulting from geology/rock type and glaciation as well as to evaluate the impact of tourism in National Parks.
5. What do I have to do to succeed?
-
Learning information and acquiring knowledge is important – but just as important is understanding the ideas and then applying your knowledge to new situations.
-
Coursework gives you the opportunity to do well even if you think you are not so good at exams. Work hard right from the start, get organised … and you will be in great shape to keep control of your destiny!
-
Be prepared to work out answers for yourself. Don't expect all the answers to be given to you by your teacher – they won't! The ability to work independently (in all subjects) is a vital requirement for all students.
-
Keep to all deadlines for handing in items of work. If you are having genuine difficulty preparing some work then by all means see your teacher in advance of the deadline. It does matter if you are disorganised, forgetful or down-right lazy!
-
Take pride in your work and be conscientious and thorough in your presentation. Look after your folder and keep the contents in good order. Don't keep all your geography work in one folder – leave completed topics safely at home.
-
Be prepared to learn by discussion and respect the views of others.
