Key Stage 3
Students receive three Geography lessons per fortnight timetable cycle at Key Stage 3, of which they are taught two topic based lessons and one skills lesson. The skills lessons in Year 7 focus on learning about continents and oceans, grid references, map and graph skills. In Year 8 and 9 skills lessons, each term covers a different continent, investigating the key places and issues faced there. The topic based lessons are on the following aspects in each year:-
Year 7
- Wales – Town and countryside
- LEDC’s and Uganda
- Tomorrow’s citizens – global issues
Year 8
- Landforms and rivers
- Global warming
- Environmental issues and Alaska
Year 9
- Changing shopping patterns
- Natural hazards
- Population and migration
Please see the content of our lessons in Crickhowell High School on our shared area: – R:\Student\Subjects\Geography
Key Stage 4
Students receive five Geography lessons per fortnight timetable cycle at Key Stage 4, of which they are taught a range of geographical topics and skills following the WJEC Geography GCSE Specification B syllabus. An outline of this can be found at:-
http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.html?subject=GeographyB&level=GCSE
http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/17213.pdf?language_id=1
- Specification is divided into three compulsory themes.
- Content focuses on physical environmental processes, environmental management and geographical issues for today’s generation.
- Encourages students to assess geographical issues in a wider context and adopt key stakeholder viewpoints.
- Develops and refines the student’s problem solving and decision making skills.
The topic based lessons are on the following themes:-
Theme 1 Challenges of Living in a Built Environment (Covered in Yr. 10)
Theme 2 Physical Processes & Relationships between People and Environments (Covered in Yr. 10 and 11)
Theme 3 Uneven Development and Sustainable Environments (Covered in Yr. 11)
Please see the specific content of the syllabus on the WJEC website using the link above and see the content of our lessons in Crickhowell High School on our shared area:- R:\Student\Subjects\Geography
Assessment
There are 2 different exam papers, sat at the end of Yr. 11. One of 1 hour and one of 2 hours which are 75% of the marks available.
The coursework is worth 25% and is a Geographical enquiry. This involves some fieldwork. All “coursework” occurs entirely in school as ‘controlled assessment’ and none of it can be completed as homework. It will take place in the June and July of Yr. 10.
There are two tiers of exam papers although everyone studies exactly the same course. Foundation Tier allows grades B to G whilst the Higher Tier is for Grades A* to D. The decision of which level to enter will be made towards the end of Year 11.
Past papers and mark schemes can be found at:- http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.html?subject=GeographyB&level=GCSE&pastpaper=true
Key Stage 5
Students receive nine Geography lessons per fortnight timetable cycle at Key Stage 5, of which they are taught a range of geographical topics and skills following the WJEC GCE Geography syllabus. An outline of this can be found at:-
http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.html?subject=Geography&level=GCEASA
http://www.wjec.co.uk/GCE%20Geography%20Spec%202009%20onwards%20(31-03-14).pdf?language_id=1
- Specification is divided into 2 AS core units Physical and Human
- The A2 section covers a choice of contemporary themes and research and a unit on sustainability
- Content explores complex concepts and issues that exist on a local and global scale, with key focus on physical, environmental and human processes.
- Designed to recognise the vital role of geography in the 21st century curriculum.
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
AS (2 units)
G1 1 hour 30 minutes Written Paper 75 marks (100 UMS)
Unit title: Changing Physical Environments
Two Themes
- Investigating climate change
- Investigating tectonic and hydrological change
Three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests
research/fieldwork
G2 1 hour 30 minutes Written Paper 75 marks (100 UMS)
Unit Title: Changing Human Environments
Two Themes
- Investigating population change
- Investigating settlement change
Three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests
research/fieldwork
The G1 and G2 exams are sat in the May at the end of the Year 12.
A LEVEL (the above plus a further 2 units) The G3 and G4 exams are sat in the June of Year 13.
G3 2 hours 15 minutes Written Paper 75 marks (120 UMS)
Unit title: Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography
Section A – 1 hour 30 minutes
Two essays – one from each of the two contemporary themes. One theme
selected from three physical options and one theme selected from three
human options. A choice from two questions for each theme.
- Climatic Hazards
- Development
Section B – 45 minutes
For each of 10 themes, there will be a topic area set by the Board in May (June series) of the preceding year. Candidates design and carry out a research enquiry based on their chosen theme and prescribed topic area. This will be assessed by a two-part question based on research enquiry and the findings of their research. This question will be given out after 1 hour 30 minutes when Section A is handed in.
G4 1 hour 45 minutes Written Paper 80 marks (80 UMS)
Unit title: Sustainability
Sustainable Food Supply
Sustainable Water Supply
Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Cities.
Please see the specific content of the syllabus on the WJEC website using the link above and see the content of our lessons in Crickhowell High School on our shared area:- R:\Student\Subjects\Geography
Past papers and mark schemes can be found at: – http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.html?subject=Geography&level=GCEASA&pastpaper=true