Key Stage 3 Programme of Study

GCSE GEOGRAPHY

The GCSE and A Level courses follow the CCEA specification.

https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-geography-2017

In Year 11 the pupils cover paper 1 (Physical Geography) which includes:

• Unit 1: Understanding Our Natural World

  • Theme A: River Environments

  • Theme B: Coastal Environments

  • Theme C: Our Changing Weather and Climate

  • Theme D: The Restless Earth

In Year 11 they will also complete Unit 3 which is their fieldwork investigation examination; this takes the form of a day trip to the river Shimna where the pupils study the changes down a course of the river. An examination follows which is based upon their application of geographical skills.

Paper 2 (Human Geography) is covered in Year 12, the pupils will learn about:

• Unit 2: Living in Our World

  • Theme A: Population and Migration

  • Theme B: Changing Urban Areas

  • Theme C: Contrasts in World Development

  • Theme D: Managing Our Environment

Breakdown

Each paper is worth 37.5% of the overall grade and will last 1 hour 30 minutes, whilst the fieldwork examination makes up 25 %.

Overall Grade

Unit 1 – 37.5%

Unit 2 – 37.5 %

Unit 3 – 25%

A Level

The table below summarises the structures of the AS and A-Level courses:

A2 Geography

Decision Making Exercise

This takes the form of a case study. Students are presented with a variety of resources which may include maps, statistics, reports, diagrams and photographs. They must then identify and analyse appropriate material and are required to use particular skills and techniques and to evaluate the results of analysis. Students are asked to take on a particular role for answering part of the exercise and to examine conflicting values which may be apparent in the case study. They are required to consider alternative choices and to make and justify recommendations.

Extra –curricular

The department is a member of the Geographical Association; Year 13 and Year 14 pupils attend lectures by the GA on a wide range of issues in relation to their specifications. Year 13 pupils whom attend lectures become a member of the GA which can be used on their UCAS application form as it is a professional body. The GA runs an annual quiz which students in Year’s 11 and 12 from schools across Northern Ireland compete.

Fieldtrips

The study of Geography would not be complete without fieldtrips. A brief summary is included below:

• Year 9 Coastal Processes and Management in Newcastle

• Year 11 – River Features

• Year 12 – Urban Redevelopment

• Year 13 – Fluvial Environments

• Year 14 – Investigating Tourism in Dublin

Extra-Curricular trips have included trips to Sorrento Bay in Italy and Iceland.