Geography is an extremely popular option subject at GCSE. Groups are mixed ability with up to twenty students per group. Here at Birkdale we follow the GCSE (9-1) Edexcel Specification A.
This involves a thematic based learning approach and allows pupils to focus on the Geographical Processes that shape our world through a study of Physical and Human Geography at all scales from local to global in different parts of the world.
There are three components/papers:
Paper 1: The Physical Environment (1 hour 30 minute examination; 37.5% of GSCE)
The changing landscapes of the UK – River landscapes, Glaciated landscapes
Weather hazards and climate change – Tropical storms, Drought
Ecosystems, biodiversity and management – Tropical Rainforests, Temperate deciduous woodlands
Paper 2: The Human Environment (1 hour 30 minute examination; 37.5% of GCSE)
Changing Cities – Case studies of a major UK city (Sheffield) and a city in a developing or emerging country (Mumbai)
Global Development – Case study of a developing or emerging country (China)
Resources and management – A study of Energy resources
Paper 3: Geographical Investigations (1 hour 30 minute examination; 25% of GCSE)
Fieldwork (residential course)
One fieldwork day completing a River investigation (Snowdonia)
One field day completing an urban investigation (Sheffield)
UK Challenges
A study of four key challenges facing the UK:
There is no coursework or controlled assessment but fieldwork is assessed in Paper 3. There will be one day of fieldwork in Sheffield and a 3-day residential fieldwork course in Snowdonia.
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