GEOGRAPHY (EDX A)

GCSE Course Outline

What is Geography?

'Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future'
Michael Palin

What is Geography?

Geography is the study of our planet and the connections between people and place.

Why study geography

Geography is a broad based academic subject which will open up options for you in your future. Employers and universities see geography as a robust academic subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. As a subject linking the arts and the sciences it is highly flexible in terms of what you can combine it with.

What will I study in Geography?

You will investigate the links between people and their environment both locally and internationally and connect diverse issues in politics, economics and science to the landscape. Your geography course will cover both physical and human environments. It will show how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects on their environment. You will learn in a wide variety of ways, using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos, and videos. You will be encouraged to discuss ideas and frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and show your grasp of complex issues through report and essay writing.

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of your GCSE course and is assessed in paper 3. You will get to go on a trip to either a coastal or river environment as well as a human one, to put geographical theories to the test.

You will learn in a wide variety of ways, using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos, and videos. You will be encouraged to discuss ideas and frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and show your grasp of complex issues through report and essay writing. Fieldwork will is an essential part of your GCSE course. You will get to go on a trip to either a coastal or river environment as well as a human one, to put geographical theories to the test.

Career Options for Geographers

GEOGRAPHY (EDX A) GCSE Specification
Paper no.	Content overview
Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes 94 marks 37.5% of GCSE	The Physical Environment Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK Including Coastal and River landscapes and processes. Topic 2: Weather hazards and climate change Topic 3: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management
Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes 94 marks 37.5% of GCSE	The Human Environment Changing cities Global development Resource management including: Water resource management
Paper 3: 1 hour 30 minutes 64 marks 25% of GCSE	Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges Fieldwork UK challenges

Structure Of Course:
This course will be taught for 3 x 50 minute lessons per week. Homework will be set regularly and deadlines must be adhered to. Students are a required to attend a minimum of 2 days fieldwork. Fieldwork will take place at weekends or half terms where possible.

Core textbooks GCSE (9-1) geography specification A: Geographical Themes and Challenges Rob Clemens, Phillip Crossley, David Flint, Paul Guinness Pearson Paperback ISBN 9781446927755

Further Reading
A subscription to the Geography Wideworld magazine is recommended as well as reading of broadsheet newspapers, National Geographic, the Economist and New Scientist magazines will also help build case studies and wider knowledge. It is also beneficial to watch TV programmes such as Country File and geography related documentaries.

Introductory Task
Using newspaper articles and internet research create a case study on the weather in your local area and how it has affected people and the environment over the summer.