Geography - GCSE
What will I study in Geography?
Unit 1: Physical Geography represents 37.5% of the GCSE total marks. It consists of two sections covering the key topics in physical geography. Section A covers rocks, resources and scenery, and the challenges posed by weather systems and climate. Section B covers water on the land, ice on the land, and coastal zones.
Unit 2: Human Geography represents 37.5% of the total GCSE marks. It consists of two sections covering key topics in human geography. Section A covers population change, and changing urban and rural environments. Section B covers the development gap between countries, globalisation and tourism.
Unit 3: A Controlled Assessment which is a local fieldwork investigation. Students will be allowed up to 6 hours to write-up their fieldwork under direct supervision. This represents 25% of the total GCSE marks available.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by two written papers for Unit 1 and Unit 2 of 1hour 30 minutes, plus your performance in the Controlled Assessment fieldwork project. This project will be approximately 2000 words long.
Who will teach me?
Martin Lailey has taught Geography for almost 20 years. He has worked at London University as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant and visiting lecturer, lectured at international conferences, and published research in international journals. He continues to work in oil and gas prospects in Indonesia, NW Scotland and Norway, and on technical aid projects in less economically developed countries.
Which subjects complement Geography?
Geography is an excellent subject to study at GCSE and combines well with the compulsory Key Stage subjects and other optional subjects such as Business Studies. The subject is increasingly relevant in a world where resources are being used at an accelerating rate and where people are becoming increasingly concerned with environmental issues.
Which careers can Geography lead to?
Geography is a valued subject at GCSE given that it provides students with key skills which are useful to employers of all kinds. These skills include the ability to plan, organise thoughts and resources, and undertake independent research. At University level and beyond students can use their knowledge and skills in a variety of degrees and careers, including geology, mining and exploration, mineral engineering, research, finance, economics and banking.