Geography GCSE is about places , people and environments . It is an essential subject for the world in which we live , where population growth , rapid development , global environmental change , social and economic inequality and resource depletion threaten the planet . These problems place increasing burdens on cultural tolerance , the sustainable management of societies , natural resources including biodiversity and landscapes . Geographers have a key role to play in understanding and helping to solve these issues .
Living with the physical environment – ( 35 % of final mark )
The aims of this unit are to develop an understanding of the tectonic , geomorphological , biological and meteorological processes and features in different environments , and the need for management strategies governed by sustainability and consideration of the direct and indirect effects of human interaction with the Earth and the atmosphere .
Topics to be studied include : Natural hazards ; Ecosystems ; UK physical landscapes – coasts and rivers .
Challenges in the human environment – ( 35 % of final mark )
The aims of this unit are to develop an understanding of the factors that produce a diverse variety of human environments ; the dynamic nature of these environments that change over time and place ; the need for sustainable management ; and the areas of current and future challenge and opportunity for these environments .
Topics to be studies include : Urban landscapes ; Economic development ; Resource management
Geographical enquiry and applications – ( 30 % of final mark ) There are two sections to this topic :
Issue evaluation This section contributes a critical thinking and problem-solving element to the assessment structure . The assessment will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate geographical skills and applied knowledge and understanding , by looking at particular issue ( s ) derived from the specification using secondary sources .
Fieldwork Students undertake two geographical enquiries , each of which must include the use of primary data , collected as part of a fieldwork exercise . Fieldwork must take place outside the classroom and school grounds and will be carried out in contrasting environments and show an understanding of both physical and human geography .
Contact Staff : Mrs Collins , Mrs Owen , or Mr Walden
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