Geography
Learn about what is involved in studying Geography at KS3, KS4 and KS5.
Key Stage 3
Throughout Geography at Key Stage 3, we aim to give students all of the opportunities necessary to allow them to become knowledgeable and active future citizens. Students understand how their lives are linked to others and are both shaped by and impact on the environments they live in, so that they are capable of making responsible choices for the future. We study a wide range of topics such as China, coasts, population, and rivers and flooding.
Key Stage 4
Why study Geography?
‘There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable. Whatever your passion for the world – fascination with landscapes or concerns about inequality – geography will provide you with knowledge and transferable skills’
– Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the RGS-IBG
What will it be like?
Over the two-year GCSE course, the two main themes are:
- Living with the Physical Environment: Discover more about the challenge of natural hazards and the living world, physical landscapes of the United Kingdom and human interaction with them.
- Challenges in the Human Environment: Discover more about the challenges facing our ever-expanding cities, how we need to plan for a sustainable future, and the future of our global energy supplies.
Assessment
Students are entered for GCSE with the AQA exam board.
There are three written exams. Papers 1 and 2 are 1 hour 30 minutes long, and together they contribute to 70% of the final mark. Paper 3 is 1 hour 15 minutes and contributes to the final 30% of the GCSE grade.
Key Stage 5
Geography at A level embraces contemporary geography whilst retaining key elements of traditional geography. It is examined by two exams, one on physical geography and the other on human geography. The third aspect of the course is an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field.