Geography

The study of geography aims to inspire in people a curiosity and fascination about the world, how it is changing and its people.

The subject equips students with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human environments.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, we embed the geographical skills students will need for geography at GCSE level and higher. We focus on key skills such as; locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork. We study a variety of different topics which enables students to gain a genuine interest in the subject and encourages students to question their location surroundings and the wider world.

What will students learn?

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Term 1

  • Know Your World
  • Ecosystems

Term 2

  • Water on the Land
  • Glaciers

Term 3

  • The Geography of the UK

Term 1

  • Tectonics
  • Coasts

Term 2

  • Geography of My Stuff
  • Climate Change

Term 3

  • Population and Migration

Term 1

  • Asia Case Study: China
  • Africa Case Study: South Africa

Term 2

  • Ecosystems
  • Tropical Rainforests

Term 3

  • Hot Deserts
  • Natural Hazards

How will students be assessed?

Assessments at KS3 are judged against age related levels. For each assessment, clear success criteria are given, and teachers assess the progress of students against these, based upon how they demonstrate their understanding of geographical skills and processes. Assessments take place at the end of every unit which is once every half term.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Geographers study a wide variety of topics under the headings of Ecosystems, Tectonic Hazards and Resource Management.  This includes such topics as UK landscapes, weather and climate and urban challenges.  Students will undertake field work and evaluate issues facing our communities today.  The course is tailored to and built for Urswick students.  The exam will allow students to analyse and interpret data.

Students will learn to create, discuss and analyse their own diagrams and figures using relevant and up-to-date world events.  Students will be able to expand their world view and undertake a rigorous course based on geographical skills they have built on during Key Stage 3.

What will students learn?

Year 10

Year 11

Term 1

  • Natural Hazards
  • Tectonic Hazards
  • Weather Hazards
  • UK Landscapes
  • Rivers

Term 2

  • Coasts
  • Climate change

Term 3

  • Resource management
  • Water management

Term 1

  • Urban challenges
  • Economic world

Term 2

  • Fieldwork preparation
  • Issue Evaluation

Term 3

  • Final Revision

 

How is the course assessed?

The GCSE exam consists of three written papers; 1. Living with the physical environment; 2. Challenges in the human environment and 3. Geographical Applications.

Paper 1 and 2:         

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology)
  • 35% of GCSE

Questions

  • Section A: answer all questions (33 marks)
  • Section B: answer all questions (25 marks)
  • Section C: answer any two questions from questions 3, 4 and 5 (30 marks)
  • Question types: multiple-choice, short answer, extended writing
  • Paper 1- Physical Geography, Paper 2- Human Geography

Paper 3

  • Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG)
  • 30% of GCSE
  • Pre-release resources booklet made available 12 weeks before Paper 3 exam

Questions

  • Section A: answer all questions (37 marks)
  • Section B: answer all questions (39 marks)
  • Question types: multiple-choice, short answer, levels of response, extended prose

 

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