Students study AQA GCSE Geography at KS4. The AQA syllabus follows on from the learning completed during KS3, allowing a smooth transition between the key stages. The main themes of local, national and global fields of study continue and students will be immersed in a wide range of topical case studies to allow greater depth of learning to take place. The core strands of KS3 also continue with students developing skills such as cartography, statistics and analysis feeding into wider discussion and greater breadth of learning.

Students study 6 key areas of Geography throughout the KS4 course, and have the opportunity to take part in 2 compulsory fieldtrips to enhance first-hand learning outside the classroom. The topics of study are broken down below.

Paper 1 – Living with the physical environment

The challenge of natural hazards

The living world

Physical landscapes in the UK

Paper 2 – Challenges in the human environment

Urban issues and challenges

The changing economic world

The challenge of resource management

Paper 3 – Geographical Applications

Issue Evaluation

Fieldwork

Students are assessed routinely through PAT tasks, which aim to link knowledge and understanding to the requirements of the specification. This takes the form of past paper questions, tailored to the learning stage of the groups. Students are also assessed on their knowledge of skill application through ongoing assessment of a wide range of cartographic, statistical, graphical and analytical skills and are expected to make links between these to the required knowledge for each task. The outcomes of these PATs are used to adapt planning and future assessment.

Following the completion of the GCSE course, students choosing to study Geography at college and university are well-placed to make the transition onto their next steps. Students books are well-presented and logical to demonstrate the spiral curriculum throughout their study at GCSE.

Homework is set fortnightly using the GCSEPod platform to aid retention of core knowledge, as well as develop a range of examination skills. Students will also be asked to complete revision activities and exam practice questions to aid their application of knowledge outside of the classroom.

During the GCSE course, students will complete 2 compulsory fieldtrips to Market Drayton (human geography) and Cardingmill Valley (physical geography). The information gathered during these visits will be used to support preparation for the paper 3 exam.

Students can progress onto A level Geography and Geology. This leads into a degree in Geography at university if desired.

Geographers are considered in a number of careers due to the wide-ranging number of skills they need to employ throughout their learning. Some careers of note include: the police, armed services, teacher, town planners, environment agency, zoology. The options really are endless!