Why should I study this subject?
In GCSE Geography, you will discover the incredible physical processes that shape our planet. From the formation of tropical storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes to understanding why floods occur in the UK, you’ll learn how and why these events affect different parts of the world.
You will also explore important global issues, such as the causes and impacts of climate change – examining whether all its effects are negative. Geography helps you understand why some countries are more developed than others and what can be done to reduce the gap between rich and poor nations.
Geography is a dynamic and ever-changing subject that gives you the knowledge and skills to make sense of the world around you. It’s a subject that connects the environment, people, and places, helping you become a more informed global citizen.
What will I study?
The course content includes:
- Urban Issues and Challenges
- Physical Landscapes
- The Changing Economic World
- Natural Hazard
- Fieldwork
How will I be assessed?
The exam board for geography is AQA and assessment is 100% by examination at the end of the two-year course. This is broken down into three papers, as detailed below.
GCSE Geography includes an issue evaluation released in March of Year 11, when the exam board provides a booklet on a current, real-world geographical issue. Students study this in lessons, discussing the issue and practising exam-style questions. They can annotate their own copy of the booklet and will receive a clean copy to use in the exam.
Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment
- Topics covered: Challenge of Natural Hazards, The Living World, and Physical landscapes in the UK
- Exam duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Worth 35% of final mark
Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment
- Topics covered: Urban Issues and Challenges, Changing Economic World, and Challenge of Resource Management
- Exam duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Worth 35% of final mark
Paper 3: Geographical Applications
- Issue evaluation, fieldwork
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Worth 30% of final mark
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
No. All students sit the same exam and study the same content, with questions designed to allow achievement across the full range of grades (9–1).
Are there any trips or enrichment opportunities?
There are two trips during the course. The first is to Stratford-upon-Avon to investigate the effects of tourism and the second is to Ashes Hollow to investigate how a river changes downstream. These are written up as ‘mini-courseworks’ in preparation for the questions on the students' own fieldwork found on Paper 3.
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
GCSE Geography prepares students well for post-16 study by developing critical thinking, data analysis, and extended writing skills. It also helps students understand complex issues and apply knowledge, which are useful across many subjects.
