Key stage 3 is where the foundations of or understanding of Geography are made. We encourage students to develop an enquiring mind and develop the skills that will enable future success at GCSE, A level and beyond.
Geography is a subject that invites students to develop a range of skills. Students will learn how to read and use maps. Students will learn how to analysis data promoting numeracy. Students will learn the skill of problem solving and the importance of opinions and debate. Students will develop their skills in ICT. Students will develop their personal and social education through pair and group work. Students will develop organisational skills through fieldwork.
Due to the Geography Department integrating new interactive and online resources and topics at Key Stage 3, an adapted scheme of work will be followed until further notice. Please click here for details.
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Exam Board
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Subject Leader
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Edexcel
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Mr N Wylie
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At GCSE, Geography students undertake the Edexcel GCSE in Geography Spec A. The GCSE is composed of three components, each composed of a number of topics.
Component 1: The Physical Environment
This component is worth 37.5% of the GCSE. Of the 94 marks available for this component, up to 4 marks are awarded for SPaG. Component 1 is assessed by written examination, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. The topics covered are:
- Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK Two studies from coastal, river or glaciated landscapes.
- Topic 2: Weather hazards and climate change Two studies of tropical cyclones (in a named developed and a named emerging or developing country) and two studies of drought (in a named developed and a named emerging or developing country).
- Topic 3: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management Two studies, one of a tropical rainforest in a named region and one of deciduous woodlands in a named region.
Component 2: The Human Environment
Like Component 1, this component is worth 37.5% of the GCSE. Again, of the 94 marks available for this component, up to 4 marks are awarded for SPaG. Component 2 is assessed by written examination, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. The topics covered are:
- Topic 4: Changing cities. Two studies including a UK city and a city from a developing or emerging country.
- Topic 5: Global development. A study of a developing or emerging country.
- Topic 6: Resource management. A study of energy resources or water resources.
Component 3: Geographical Investigations
This component is worth 25% of the GCSE. It is comprised of field work and UK Challenges. Of the 64 raw marks available, up to 4 marks are awarded for SPaG. The component is split as:
- Topic 7: Geographical Investigations. This topic is assessed by field work and is worth 15% of the GCSE.
- Topic 8: Geographical Investigations. This topic is a study drawing across knowledge and understanding from The Physical Environment (Component 1) and The Human Environment (Component 2). It is worth 10% of the GCSE.
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Exam Board
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Entry Requirements
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Subject Leader
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Edexcel
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Grade 6 or above
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Mr N Wylie
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The specification has been designed to allow geographers the flexibility to build programmes that suit their own particular interests and needs using a range of approaches. Those geographers with interests in distinct physical, human and environmental approaches will be able to use this specification, as will those with more integrated specialisms. Fieldwork and research skills are a key feature of the A level.
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in geography consists of three externally examined papers and one coursework component.
Paper 1- Physical Geography
Content summary:
Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes
30% of the qualification
105 marks
Content overview
- Area of study 1 Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
- Area of study 1 Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change
- Area of study 3 Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
- Area of study 3 Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Paper 2- Human Geography
Content summary:
Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes
30% of the qualification
105 marks
Content overview
- Area of study 2 Topic 3: Globalisation
- Area of study 2 Topic 4: Shaping Places
- Area of study 4 Topic 7: Superpowers
- Area of study 4 Topic 8: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
Paper 3- Synoptic Exam
Content summary:
Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes
20% of the qualification
70 marks
Content overview
- The specification contains three synoptic themes within the compulsory content areas:
- Players
- Attitudes and actions
- Futures and uncertainties
- The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.
Paper 4- Coursework
Content summary:
20% of the qualification
70 marks
Content overview
- The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or
- optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification
- The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data
- The fieldwork which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human
- The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing
- Students will be expected to show evidence that they have used both quantitative and qualitative data to support their independent investigation as appropriate to the particular environment and/or location.
Assessment
Paper 1 Assessment overview
An externally-assessed written examination comprising four sections. Students answer all questions in Section A (Tectonic Processes and Hazards), Section C (The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity) D (The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security). Students answer either Question 2A (Glaciated Landscapes and Change) or Question 2B (Coastal Landscapes and Change) in Section B (Glaciated Landscapes and Change and Coastal Landscapes and Change). The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used.
Paper 2 Assessment overview
An externally-assessed written examination comprising four sections. Students answer all questions in Section A (Globalisation) and C (Superpowers). Students answer one question from Section B (Regenerating Places and Diverse Places) and one question from Section D (Intervention; Migration, Identity and Sovereignty). The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used.
Paper 3 Assessment overview
An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. Students answer all questions in Section A, Section B and Section C.
Sections A, B and C all draw synoptically on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course. The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 8-mark, 18-mark and 24-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used.
Paper 4 Assessment overview
- The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated.
- The student will produce a written report of 3000–4000 words.
Field Trip (Compulsory)
A field trip is an important and integral part of this course. There is an expectation that students will participate. The location has yet to be confirmed.
Progression into Higher Education/Vocational Destinations
Geography graduates are employed in a wide range of sectors, including the public sector, education, commerce, industry, transport and tourism. Geography graduates have excellent transferable skills, which also attract employers from the business, law and finance sectors.
Employers include:
- local government
- the Civil Service
- the armed forces
- Ministry of Defence
- police service
- private companies
- environmental consultancies
- environmental protection agencies
- utility companies
- charities
- information systems organisations