Geography

Geography is very practical with opportunities to learn new skills such as modern computer-based mapping (called GIS), digital technologies, map skills, interpreting photographs, analysing articles, decision-making and debating.

Fieldwork and trips are an important part of Geography. You will learn how to investigate issues in the real world.

You will improve your literacy through your report writing and written work and make practical use of your numeracy skills when you interpret data and construct graphs.

The syllabus is divided into three parts.

Part A: Geographical Themes.
This is divided into three themes, designed to develop an understanding of natural and human environments.

• Theme 1 – Population and settlement - urban issues and challenges
• Theme 2 – The natural environment, - natural hazards, ecosystems including rainforests & extreme environments, weather, coasts & rivers.
• Theme 3 – Economic development - development across the world, agriculture, tourism and sustainable development.

Part B: Geographical Skills.
Building skills and helping develop your ability at handling geographical information. This includes map skills, interpreting data, graphs and diagrams.

Part C: Geographical Enquiry.
Students plan, execute and evaluate a fieldwork enquiry. You will then write a report as a piece of coursework.

There are two examinations at the end of Year 11:

• Paper 1 - Geographical Themes (1hr 45mins) 45% of the overall grade.
• Paper 2 - Geographical Skills (1hr 30mins) 27.5% of the overall grade
• Component 3: Coursework 2,000 words 27.5% of the overall grade. (centre assessed)

Students who have studied Geography have gone on to work in the following sectors:

• law
• science
• sales
• business
• environment
• information technology
• management
• finance
• banking
• marketing
• research
• manufacturing
• teaching
• childcare
• engineering and building
• arts
• design and media
• town planning
• working abroad

and many, many more…