KS4 Geography
GCSE
Learning Content
GCSE Geography builds on the basic knowledge and understanding learnt at key stage 3 it introduces students to key terminology and shows then how to apply it in extended pieces of writing. Geography at GCSE also develops a student’s skills and helps them to understand the processes of the world around them. We cover a variety of topics at GCSE varying from Weather Hazards to Contrasting Levels of Development to Population Change. GCSE Geography gives the students a taste of A-Level and its variety of knowledge and understanding. Many skills are used to aid learning such as group work, statistics and presentation techniques. GCSE Geographers have a total of 3 contact lessons with their teacher, they also have the opportunity for extension sessions arranged with their teacher after College hours.
Out of Class Opportunities
In year 11 the students complete a piece of coursework which investigates the impact of tourism in Malham. There is also an bi-annual visit to Iceland looking at the Geological formations and unique environment of the country.
Examinations
We currently follow the AQA C syllabus for Geography, assessment materials for the course can be found on the AQA website. Students are entered for a foundation or a higher tier paper based on their performance in lessons. There are two papers in total, paper one is a pre-release topic and paper two tests students on all of the other topics.
A-Level
The current year 13 follow the old AQA A course which is in its final year and the year 12 start the new AQA Geography course.
AS Geography
Learning Content
The AS course is focused on contemporary issues with in Geography. Two core units of Global Population Change and Rivers, Floods and their Management are taught along side 2 other units, one from human geography and one from physical geography. A geographical skills paper tests the data skills and field work techniques learnt. Students are encouraged to carry out their own reading and research to build knowledge and skills. Students studying AS have 5 contact periods with staff, they also have the opportunity to access further time out of college hours.
Out of Class Opportunities
Fieldwork is an essential part of the course as a means of learning data collection techniques, presentation and putting theory into practice. This year (2008-9) we are planning a river based visit and a virtual field visit to Bradford.
Examinations
The students take two exams in June. Unit 1 tests the students understanding of human and physical geography using short structured and extended questions. This paper is worth 70% of the AS grade and 35% of the total A-Level. Unit 2 is a Geographical skills paper and is worth 30% of the AS grade and 15% of the A-Level.
 |
 |
 |