GCSE Geography
Geography enables young people to become globally and environmentally informed and thoughtful, enquiring citizens.
GCSE Geography Edexcel A: Geographical Themes and Challenges
What will I learn?
Geography is a continuously evolving subject that involves us all – it looks at the key global issues that are having an impact today and which will affect our futures. It helps give a greater awareness of how we behave, emphasising the importance of the relationship between people in different countries, their impact on the environment and their impact on each other. Edexcel Geography A gives you the chance to make the subject more relevant for you. For example:
You will cover human and physical geography along with geographical skills and challenges. There’s a greater focus on Place and Scale. There is more emphasis on geographical skills that geographers need to progress to GCE and that employers expect.
Component 1: The Physical Environment
Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Externally assessed
Optionality: Section A
37.5% of the qualification
94 marks
Content Overview
Topic 1: The changing landscapes of the UK including two sub-topics options:
Sub-topic 1A: Coastal landscapes and processes
Sub-topic 1B: River landscapes and processes
Topic 2: Weather hazards and climate change
Topic 3: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management
Component 2: The Human Environment
Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Externally assessed
Optionality: Section C
37.5% of the qualification
94 marks
Content Overview
Topic 4: Changing Cities
Topic 5: Global Development
Topic 6: Resource management including one sub-topic option:
Sub-topic 6B: Water resource management
Component 3: Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges
Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Externally assessed
25% of the qualification
64 marks
Content Overview
Topic 7: Geographical investigations – fieldwork
Topic 8: Geographical investigations – UK Challenges
How will I be assessed?
You will sit three exams that comprise of three key themes (see sections Component one – three above). All exams take place at the end of Year 11.
Are there any costs?
There is a requirement for an out-of-classroom experience in which fieldwork must be undertaken in both physical and human geography. Location and trip details will be publicised closer to the time.
Why study GCSE Geography?
Geography can open doors for you in the future as you will learn many real life skills that are transferable and desirable for GCE Level and the world of work! Check some of them out below:
Lateral thinking, ‘Understanding the big picture’, Problem-solving, Debating , Decision-making, Data collection and analysis, Independent study and research, Mapwork and Cartography, Recording techniques and data manipulation, Construction of maps and diagrams, Field Sketching, Evaluating work, Group discussion, Understanding current events, Appreciating different cultures, Global challenges, Active citizenship and Computer Literacy (IT skills).
Future opportunities
Just some of the jobs you can get with geography:
Advertising, Anthropology, Archaeologist, Architect, Business Management, Civil Engineering, Conservationist, Consultancy, Development studies, Environmental Science, European Politics, Financial adviser, Geologist, Hydrologist, Journalist (TV and/or Press), Law, Marketing, Meteorologist, Town Planner, Professor/lecturer, Surveying, Teaching, Tourism, Travel, Urban Studies…
For field trip experiences, please see articles on the school website and google site.
Exam board: Edexcel
Who should I contact for extra information?
