GCSE Geography

Exam Board: AQA

This exciting course is based on a balanced framework of physical and human geography. It allows students to investigate the link between the two themes, and approach and examine the battles between the man-made and natural worlds.

Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring topical and relevant examples in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

As part of the course students will undertake at least two days compulsory fieldwork. The course will also allow pupils to develop their written, cartographic (map), graphical, numerical and statistical skills.

Geography also helps students to develop a range of transferable skills to enable them to respond with confidence to the demands of undergraduate study and the world of work. These include critical thinking, communication, problem solving and adaptability.

Assessment

This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, students must complete all assessments at the end of the course and in the same series. Students will sit two 90-minute papers and one 75 minute paper.

Enrichment Opportunities

Learning outside of the classroom – Fieldwork, Links with organisations such as Kent Wildlife Trust, Royal Geographical Society, Environmental careers sessions in Year 10

Links

• AQA Exam Board
• A Level Geography at The Canterbury Academy
• The Academic Pillar