Garth Hill College - KS4 Options Handbook 2024 - Flipbook - Page 23
Geography GCSE
Subject Leader: Mrs C Winsor
Board and Syllabus: AQA
Course Outline
GCSE Geography builds upon the key stage 3 course. Your knowledge and understanding of Human and
Physical Geography is extended and integrated with a strong focus on topical issues and up to date case
studies. You will develop skills essential to the study of the world around us, such as data collection and
analysis. This is an issues-based investigative course with an emphasis on enquiry and problem solving;
important skills needed in a rapidly changing world.
Unit 1: Living with the Physical Environment
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Section A: The Challenge of Natural Hazards
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Section B: The Living World
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Section C: Physical Landscapes in the UK
Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment
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Section A: Urban Issues and Challenges
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Section B: The Changing Economic World
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Section C: The Challenge of Resource Management
Unit 3: Geographical Applications
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Section A: Issue Evaluation
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Section B: Fieldwork
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Geographical skills
Assessment
Assessment is 100% examination based. Each unit equates to one examination paper. There is a compulsory
element of the course to attend two days of fieldwork. One day in the summer of year 10 to Hengistbury
Head and another day examining the regeneration of Bracknell town centre (the Lexicon).
Homework
Home learning will be set at least once a fortnight, typically spending at least 40 minutes per task.
GCSE Geography is suitable for those pupils who:
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Have strong opinions and care about issues affecting people and the environment
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Want to study a subject that is relevant to your own life and experiences
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Want to do practical field work as well as class-based work.
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Enjoy finding out about other cultures, places, landscapes and events
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Are fascinated by people, their actions and want to change the world for the better.
Future Pathways
For many jobs it is a real help if you have studied Geography. The subject covers a range of skills, requiring
you to be analytical, thoughtful and communicative. Geography graduates are very employable at present.
Combining geography with other subjects could lead to jobs such as in the IT industry, police, armed
services, sales/marketing or working in a variety of service industries. The subject is a facilitating one at A
Level and is well respected by all further education establishments, particularly Russell Group Universities.
KEY STAGE 4 OPTIONS
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