Geography

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Year 7

Geography is all about investigating the world around us. We begin our study by thinking about different landscapes and practicing the skills we will need to further investigate them. Following this we start to think about the human settlements we live and work in, as we consider town and cities from around the world. Finally, we begin to consider different river systems and their significance to human societies.

Term	Module	Key Task
Autumn	How are landscapes interpreted and understood?	Test: Map skills End of year exam: map skills Class debate (and write up) “Should a windfarm be built at Nant Y Moch?”
Spring	What are the features of my local area?	Written presentation: “What are the main geographical features of your study area?” Sketch map of local area
Summer	Rivers	Humanities Key Task

Year 8

Geography is all about understanding the world around us. In Year 8 we study our local coastline and consider how and why our local shorelines may change. We also examine the environmental geography of ecosystems. Finally, we turn our attention to different areas around the world through our study of Population and Development.

Term	Module	Key Task
Autumn	Coasts	Coastline creative writing task. Coasts test
Spring	Ecosystems	• South America map • Extended question: “Why aren’t we looking after the planet?” • Comparison between two biomes
Summer	What are the challenges and opportunities for global development?	Data presentation and analysis: “How do the population structures of the UK and Kenya compare?” Balanced discussion: “Can slum societies ever be sustainable?” Class debate [and write-up]: “What are the challenges and opportunities of life in slums?”

Year 9

Geography is all about studying the world around us. We will begin with an investigation into earthquakes and volcanoes, and examining the hazards they pose to society. After Christmas we then explore the various challenges facing cities around the world and discuss the impacts that human societies are having on vulnerable areas.

Term	Module	Key Task
Autumn	Can tectonic disasters ever be prevented?	Newspaper article discussion: “Could the disaster in [location] have been prevented?”
Spring	Future challenges	Report of recommendations: How should we futureproof our cities? A decision-making exercise where students evaluate different methods of improving the sustainability of urban areas.
Summer	GCSE	Start of Theme 1 GCSE topic

Year 10

WJEC GCSE Geography adopts an enquiry approach to the study of geographical information, issues and concepts. It is based on the principle that geographical education should enable learners to become critical and reflective thinkers by engaging them actively in the enquiry process. Content is organised around key questions and learners should be encouraged to pose geographical questions of their own.

The full programme of study is outlined below:

WJEC GCSE Geography	% of GCSE	Exam	Teaching times
Unit 1 Changing Physical and Human Landscapes	40%	1hr30	Y10
Unit 2 Environmental and Development Issues	40%	1hr 30	Y11
Unit 3 Fieldwork enquiry	20%	CA	Y11

Unit 1: Changing Physical and Human Landscapes

The core themes assessed in this unit are:

Landscapes and physical processes
Distinctive landscapes in Wales
Landform processes and change in the UK
Rural-urban links
The links between rural and urban areas in Wales
Population and urban change in the UK
Issues in contrasting global cities

All students will study these two themes. The students will also study one of the following topics:

Tectonic processes and landforms
Coastal hazards and their management

This unit is 40% of the GCSE and is examined in the summer of Year 11.

Useful links

http://resources.wjec.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

https://www.echalk.co.uk/

http://www.sln.org.uk/geography/

http://www.internetgeography.net/

If you need any further support please contact Mr D. Johnson at the School.

Year 11

During Year 10 students will have studied Unit 1: Changing Physical and Human Landscapes and this unit will be examined at the end of Year 11. It is important to note that Unit 1 is worth 40% of the final award and it is therefore vital that students revise thoroughly for this unit in the run up to the summer exams.

During Year 11 students will study the following units:

% of GCSE

Exam

Teaching times

Unit 2

Environmental and Development Issues

40%

1hr 30

Y11

Unit 3

Fieldwork enquiry

20%

October-November

Unit 2: Environmental and Development Issues