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The Geography Department
Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11
Geography can be part of your Baccalaureate programme of study.
Why take GCSE Geography?
There are many reasons - here are just two quotes:
"Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future" (Michael Palin)
"Geography prepares for the world of work - geographers, with their skills of analysis, are highly employable!"
The study of GCSE Geography can help you to:
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of current events from the local area to the global.
- Investigate the earth and its peoples.
- Study the features of the earth - such as mountains, rivers and seas - and how they were formed.
- Develop a range of useful skills such as map reading, data collection, ICT and problem solving.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of the cultures and backgrounds of people from all over the world.
Students will study 4 units:
Unit 1 - Dynamic Planet - 25% of the course
| » | Section A - Introduction to the dynamic planet |
| | Compulsory topics: |
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- Restless Earth (geosphere)
- Battle for the Biosphere (biosphere)
- Climate Change (atmosphere)
- Water
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| These 4 topics are designed to be interlinked. Together they form an interdependent life support system for humans |
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| » | Section B - Small scale dynamic planet |
| | Optional Topics: |
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- Coastal Change and Conflict, or
- River Processes and Pressures
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| » | Section C - Large scale dynamic planet |
| | Optional Topics: |
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- Oceans on the edge, or
- Extreme Climates
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| | 1 hour exam taken in June of Year 10 |
Unit 2 - People and the Planet - 25% of the course
| » | Section A - Introduction to People and the Planet |
| | Compulsory topics: |
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- Population Dynamics
- Consuming Resources
- Living Spaces
- Making a living
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| | These 4 topics are designed to be interlinked to show the main aspects of how people live on our earth. |
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| » | Section B - Small scale People and the Planet |
| | Optional Topics: |
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- Changing Cities, or
- Changing Countryside
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| » | Section C - Large scale People and the Planet |
| | Optional Topics: |
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- Development Dilemmas, or
- World at Work
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| | 1 hour exam taken in June of Year 10 |
Unit 3 - Making Geographical decisions - 25% of the course
| | » | The focus of this unit is on the importance of making decisions to safeguard the future of the planet. The planet is experiencing increasing pressures. |
| | » | The unit includes the pressures (conflicts), players and options that are involved in making Geographical Decisions and which are related to sustainable and environmental issues. |
| | » | This unit is designed to give students the opportunity to investigate geographical issues related to change and development, set in a pre-announced theme. |
| | » | A pre-released resource booklet will contain information about a theme chosen by the exam board. This can be studied before the exam to allow students to gain maximum marks. |
| | » | The chosen theme or issue will focus on a variety of environments and places, from pristine natural environments and places to highly urbanised built environments in countries at all stages of development. |
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| | | 1 hour exam taken in June of Year 11 |
Unit 4 - Researching Geography - 25% of the course
| | » | For this unit students need to complete a fieldwork investigation and report |
| | » | The tasks will change each year |
| | » | This unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions, however, Edexcel will moderate selected students work. |
| | » | A total of 20 hours of classroom time will be given to students, plus one day in the field collecting relevant data. |
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| | | Coursework completed and submitted in the first term of Year 11 |
Progression
This subject can currently be studied at A/S and A2 Level at Ely Sixth Form Centre.
KS4 Recommended Revision Guides
Please click here to download a copy of the Recommended Revision Guides PDF, compiled by the departments for KS4 students to help them select the best and most relevant Revision Guides for their GCSE courses.
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