Geography - Shireland Collegiate Academy

Geography is thought to be the subject of the future as it delves into many of the global environmental issues that we as a planet face, including water security and climate change.

All Students who undertake Geography at GCSE are expected to attend a two night residential in order to complete fieldwork which will contribute towards 40% of their final grade.

Head of Department: Mrs Fenton

I completed a BSc in Geography from the University of Liverpool, and then went on to study a PGCE in Geography. As a physical geographer my favourite aspects of Geography to teach are rivers and coast, and plate tectonics.

Taught through the L4L curriculum:

Diversity
Seasons
Map skills
Population & urbanisation
Settlement
Water
Climate change

Taught through the L4L curriculum:

Plate tectonics
India
Migration
Map skills
Coasts

Taught through the L4L curriculum:

Rivers & flooding
Rainforests
Development

Introduction to Geography:

World Maps
Exploring Britain

OCR A GCSE content:

People of the UK

OCR A GCSE content:

Landscapes of the UK
Environmental Threats to the UK
Ecosystems of the Planet
Geographical skills

OCR A GCSE content:

People of the Planet
Environmental Threats to our Planet
Geographical skills

KS4 COURSE

WHAT CAN GEOGRAPHY LEAD TO?

Employers want people with good communication skills, Geography includes a wide range of projects, reports and presentations
Employers want people who can work in a team, fieldwork is an essential part of Geography and allows you to develop team and leadership skills
Employers want people who can ask questions and then find the answers, geographers can undertake complex decision making exercises using information at a variety of scales
Employers want people who are computer literate, geographers use ICT in many aspects of their work, including for data collection, through the internet and analysing spreadsheets

Many Geographers end up in working in industries such as:

Law
Social Work
Estate Agencies
Tourism
Environmental Agencies
Civil Engineering
International Aid Work
Accountancy
International Development
Politics and Local Government

Did you know? Geography is the second most employable degree in the UK!

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Students will sit three written examinations at the end of the two year course:

Paper 1 – Living in the UK today – 30% of GCSE

Paper 2 – The World Around Us – 30% of GCSE

Paper 3 – Geographical Skills – 40% of GCSE

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

The ability to view issues from a wider perspective is important when studying Geography. Students need to recognise how the world is very complex, and how different people can be affected by one event in many different ways. The ability to consider a range of different viewpoints is also important. The course requires students to be able to communicate their findings in writing, as well as demonstrate the ability to explain their views and write convincing arguments to support them.

Students will develop a wide range of skills in their GCSE Geography studies, including:

Technological skills, including ICT and GIS
Interpersonal skills through debate and discussion
Literacy and numeracy problem solving skills
Entrepreneurial skills and awareness of career possibilities
Provide a sound foundation for those candidates who intend to continue to study the subject to a higher level, for example at A Level and/or University Degree Level