Geography

GCSE course outline

'Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future' - Michael Palin

GCSE Geography will expose students to the world around them. It gives students the opportunity to study geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigate the link between them.

Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

Students have the opportunity to go on a field work residential trip where they learn practical skills in data collection. This is a course highlight for many of our students.

Skills required

An interest in the world around you.

Have good enquiring skills.

Practical skills as part of a love of fieldwork is useful.

Assessment method

Examinations:

There are a variety of question types, such as multi–choice questions, short and extended answer questions, graphical and data questions and practical enquiry questions. 

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment, 1 hour 30 minutes, 35%

Challenges of the natural world, the living world and physical landscapes in the UK. 

Paper 2: Challenges in the Human environment, 1 hour 30 minutes, 35%

Urban issues and challenges, changing economic world and challenges of resource management 

Paper 3: Geographical application, 1 hour 30 minutes, 30%

Fieldwork skills and general geographical skills. 

Post 16 opportunities and careers

Geography can be taken satisfactorily with any subject in the Sixth Form at LVS Ascot. Favourite combinations have been with Psychology, Business Studies, Information Technology, Biology, Mathematics. With a Geography qualification, pupils are able to access a wide range of opportunities.The transferable skills which geography fosters are an asset in the complex world of employment today. Geographers enter a wide range of career areas – Research, Town Planners, Architect, Environment management.