Geography illustrates the past, explains the present and prepares us for the future. Geography is a diverse and dynamic subject that covers a wide variety of topics. The Geographical Association put it as: “Geography underpins a lifelong ‘conversation’ about the earth as the home of humankind.”
The study of both Physical and Human Geography, and the blended cross overs, are important for the future of the Earth and the way in which humans live on the planet. Within Geography, students will explore different cultures, places, and landscapes from a variety of scales and viewpoints. Students will enhance their understanding of Earth processes and systems, alongside a recognition of the diversity and range of cultures and places.
Through the subject, we aim to develop a thirst, curiosity, and passion for Geography, with an understanding of the human and physical worlds and the links between, so that students understand their place in the world.
“The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.”
Barack Obama
Geography is a subject which enables students to grow their knowledge about the world and help them understand how we as humans interact with the physical landscapes and environments around us.
We offer a full and varied Geography curriculum at The Chase to inspire all our students and embed a life-long curiosity and fascination about the world in which we live.
Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society by considering different viewpoints, values, and attitudes.
The aims of our Geography curriculum are to ensure that all students:
Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places.
Understand and evaluate the processes that give rise to physical and human geographical features of the world.
Are competent in Geographical skills that are needed to:
Collect, analyse, and communicate with a wide range of data gathered through fieldwork.
Interpret a range of sources of Geographical information including maps, diagrams, globes, and aerial photographs.
Communicate Geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
“Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that?”
Michael Palin
Geography helps people to make sense of their immediate surroundings and the wider world, particularly the environment.
At GCSE, we cover the AQA specification, which studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the links between them. We focus on developing and improving students’ knowledge and understanding in several key areas:
To develop geographical knowledge and understanding.
To develop a sense of identity through learning about the UK and its relationship with other countries in the world.
To appreciate and be concerned about environmental issues facing our planet.
To develop academic and life skills from writing, teamwork, and communication to analytical skills.
GCSE Geography Assessment |
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Unit 1 – Physical Geography:
Unit 2 – Human Geography:
Unit 3 – Geographical Application:
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2 x 1 ½ hour examinations (70%) Consisting of short answer and mini-essay style questions based on the physical and human topics (units 1 & 2). 1 x 1 ¼ hour examination (30%) Consisting of short answer and mini-essay style questions based on a pre-release issue evaluation, and fieldwork carried out by the students (unit 3). 100% examined (no coursework or controlled assessment). |
Progression and Career Opportunities - GCSE Geography leads into the A level Geography course or even geography-based courses at university. Geography graduates have diverse career destinations, and the subject has one of the highest rates of graduate employability. This is on no small part down to the flexibility of Geography and the very wide range of skills it helps you to develop.
Not all Geography students become Geography teachers or weather presenters! Potential careers related to Geography include cartography (map maker), meteorology (weather forecaster), hydrology and flood management, environmental health, conservation, leisure and tourism, urban planning, aid worker, mining, navigation, surveying, transport services, data analysis, civil service, and of course teaching!
“Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant. For me geography is a great adventure with a purpose.”
Michael Palin
The AQA A level Geography specification is ‘issues based’ with many of the topics focused on the news headlines of today.
This makes the subject highly relevant, thought provoking and interesting, providing an understanding and appreciation of the complex world in which we live. Geography’s flexibility and adaptability as either a science or an art helps to boost its popularity in the Sixth Form.
Geography A Level is assessed through 2 examinations and 1 piece of coursework at the end of year 13:
Unit 1 (40%) - Physical Geography (Water & Carbon Cycles, Coastal Systems & Landscapes, Hazards).
Unit 2 (40%) - Human Geography (Contemporary Urban Environments, Changing Places, Global Systems & Global Governance).
Unit 3 (20%) - Geography Fieldwork Investigation (one piece of individual coursework based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content, completed in year 13).
Have at least a grade G5 in Geography at GCSE level (G6 or higher is desirable).
Be interested in current issues concerning the World and its environment.
Be committed and enthusiastic to studying a dynamic subject.
Be keen to participate in fieldwork.
What can this course lead to?
As a ‘facilitating’ subject, Geography is an ideal subject for those planning to study at University. Geography graduates have some of the highest rates of graduate employment. The subject equips you with a wide variety of transferable skills and a global perspective on social, economic, and environmental concerns. Geographers go on to pursue careers in urban regeneration, energy supply, retail management, teaching, journalism, law, resource management, business management and many more.
“So many of the world’s current issues (at a global scale and locally) boil down to geography and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.”
Michael Palin