GCSE Geography

Why study geography?

Geography is a very interesting subject to study. When we study it we learn about the world and its people. We study the physical landscape as well as the man made world and we try to discover how each influences the other.

Geography is a very useful subject to study. An important part of studying the subject is looking at information and making informed and reasoned decisions. This is something that you need to practice when you are young because it is a skill you will need throughout the rest of your life.

What will I be studying?

Theme A: Atmosphere & Human Impact
This theme looks at the weather of the British Isles and reasons for it. We compare climates across Europe and finally consider the issue human impact on the atmosphere through global warming.

Theme B: Physical Processes and Challenges
This theme concentrates on the structure of the earth and processes which produce various landscapes. We study earthquakes, rivers and rocks.

Theme C: Ecosystems and Sustainability
A variety of ecosystems are studied. For example, tropical rainforests, peatlands and savannah grasslands. Issues of protection and conservation are considered.

Theme D: Population & Resources
Where do people live and why they live there? The answer to questions such as these are discussed. Issues of migration, overpopulation and the need for a more sustainable approach to energy resources are studied.

Theme E: Economic Change and Development
This theme looks at how industry has changed over time and around the world. Issues of development, aid, fair trade are important aspects of this topic.

Theme F: Settlement
How have settlements changed and developed over time? What are towns and cities like in a variety of countries? Planning is a key issue with regard to improving cities and controlling traffic. These are some of the areas studies in this theme.

Coursework
you will have one piece of coursework to do. This is a project based on field work.

Assessment

Final Examination has two levels:

Higher (grades A*-D possible)
Foundation Tier (grades C - G possible).
Geography GCSE consists of two papers each 90 minutes long.

Paper 1 (Theme A, B, C examined) = 40%
Paper 2 (Theme D, E, F examined) = 40%
Coursework =20%

Each of the papers has three multi-part questions which means you don't have long essay type answers to write.

If you are good at Geography or enjoy the subject you should seriously consider taking it as one of your GCSE option choices. After all you have already been studying it for a number of years. You know what it is about.

Geography is one of the most relevant subjects on the school curriculum as it affects many current issues relating to our daily lives.