Geography is a very diverse subject that encompasses a huge variety of topics within the fields of human and physical geography.  The ancient Greeks created the word “Geography” from the roots “geo” for Earth and “grapho” to write.

Geography can be described as the study of the physical Earth and its features and of the distribution of life on the earth, including human life and the effects of human activity on the physical environment.

At GCSE, pupils study a variety of human and physical topics over the two years of study. Geographical skills and fieldwork are also included within the course.

Paper 1: 1 hour 30 min Examination / 35% of GCSE

Living with the Physical Environment
• The challenge of natural hazards
• The living world
• Physical landscapes in the UK

Paper 2: 1 hour 30 min Examination / 35% of GCSE

Challenges in the Human Environment
• Urban issues and challenges
• The changing economic world
• The challenge of resource management

Paper 3: 1 hour 15 min Examination / 30% of the GCSE

Geographical Applications
• Issue evaluation
• Fieldwork
• Geographical Skills

Fieldwork

There is no longer any written coursework but pupils need to have completed fieldwork for paper 3 in which they have to answer questions based on their own investigations.  Two fieldwork investigations have to be completed – one focusing on physical and the other on human Geography.
One fieldwork trip will take place at the end of the Lower Fifth and one at the beginning of the Upper Fifth.

GCSE geographers will be expected to attend these compulsory fieldtrips in order to fulfil the requirements of the qualification. The total cost of both trips will be a maximum of £300.

Examination Board: AQA
Specification: 8035