In this section
Geography (Humanities)
Head of Humanities Department: Mrs S Green
Teachers of Geography: Mr Coombes, Mrs Lilani, Mrs Fuller
Geographers at Warlingham know where they are going!
Overview
Earthquakes and volcanoes, raging rivers, wild weather, collapsing cliffs, climate change and developing countries are some of the wide range of topics we learn about from years 7 to 9 and in more depth at GCSE. A/S and A/2 students are taught in well equipped rooms. The use of interactive whiteboards, up to date text books, atlas’s, journals and videos all help to enhance the students learning experience.
KS3 Scheme of Work
Year 7 Follow an integrated project (detailed information on the next page)
Year 8 Study the following topics:
- Plate Tectonics
- Weather and climate
- World of work
Year 9 Study the following topics:
- Rivers
- Global warming
- World population change
- Living in a developed county
All students are regularly given the opportunity to improve their national curriculum level, with a variety of assessments e.g. research homework, role plays, peer assessed classwork etc. Students are advised how to reach their national curriculum target grades.
GCSE Course(s) Overview
The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of places, environments and geographical patterns at a range of scales from local to global.
Students will develop a sense of place and an appreciation of the environment with an awareness of ways in which people and environments interact.
The course consists of three themes:
· Challenges of Living in a Built Environment
· People and the Natural World Interactions
· People, Work and Development
In developing an understanding of themes outlined above students will be expected to use a range of skills, especially those skills of enquiry.
Fieldwork is an integral part of this course and students will be expected to take an active part in any fieldwork that is organised. Residential fieldwork takes place in the Peak District in Year 10.
Assessment Format
The assessment will consist of 75% external assessment through two written papers and an internal controlled assessment component of 25%.
The examination paper consists of two tiers.
Possible Careers and Further Education
Subjects at a higher level include Geography, Environmental Science, Geology, Travel and Tourism. These lead to employment in the management of the environmental and human resources, Civil Service, Oil Companies, Planning, Engineering, Social Services, Water resources and teaching.
GCSE Exam Boards Used: OCR
AS/A Level Course(s) Overview:
AS Level
Unit 1: Global Challenges Unit code: 6GE01
First examined June 2009. 60% of total AS marks.
Content summary: The meaning, causes, impacts and management of global challenges.
Topic 1: World at risk.
Topic 2: Going global.
Assessment: 1 hour and 30 minutes in two sections. Section A data response and short answer grid. Section B choice of Topic 1 or 2 essay questions.
Unit 2: Geographical Investigations Unit code: 6GE02
First examined January 2009 (available June) 40% of total mark.
Content summary:
Physical Topic: Crowded coasts reveal how increasing development is testing our ability to manage these valued environments.
Human Topic: Unequal spaces explores the causes and consequences of rural and urban disparities and how to manage them.
A Level
Unit 3: Contested Planet
Externally assessed – availability June. First assessment June 2010.
Content summary:
The use and management of resources is a key issue for geography in today’s world. Consumption patterns highlight stark inequalities between regions, countries and groups of people. Many resources are finite, and rising consumption means that difficult decisions over the use of resources will have to be taken more frequently. There are six compulsory topics:
Topic 1: Energy Security
Topic 2: Water Conflicts
Topic 3: Biodiversity Under Threat
Topic 4: Superpower Geographies
Topic 5: Bridging the Development Gap
Topic 6: The Technological Fix?
Assessment: 2 hour and 30 minute examination in two sections. Students will be asked to select and answer two questions from five in Section A and all questions in Section B.
Section A: A choice of two short essay questions from five.
Section B: (Synoptic Investigation): One question with three parts.
Unit 4: Geographical Research
Externally assessed – availability January and June. First assessment January 2010.
Content summary:
Option 1: Tectonic Activity and Hazards
Option 2: Cold Environments – Landscapes and change
Option 3: Life on the Margins – the Food Supply Problem
Option 4: The World of Cultural Diversity
Option 5: Pollution and Human Health at Risk
Option 6: Consuming the Rural Landscape – Leisure and Tourism.
Assessment: 1 hour and 30 minute examination. Candidates will be given a list of questions based on the six options. Candidates will select and answer one question that relates to the option they have studied.
Exam Board Used:
Edexcel
