Why Choose Gcse Geography?

Why choose Geography at GCSE?

geography n the science of the surface of the earth and its inhabitants; the features or the arrangement of a place. – n geographer . – adj geographic or geographical . – adv geographically . Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment.

- Many useful and interesting facts - How to read and use different kinds of maps - To use your drawing skills in making effective maps, diagrams and graphs. - How to discuss and address large scale problems (eg: global warming, poverty, pollution etc.) Whilst studying GCSE Geography you will learn: - A sense of environmental responsibility - How to carry out valuable and accurate fieldwork

What is GCSE Geography all about? The syllabus focuses on a wide variety of issues and build on the knowledge and understanding that you have developed at Key Stage 3 The emphasis is on the understanding of physical, human and environmental geography. It allows us to look at geography through the relationships between humans and their environment. You will study the following topics…….

Population - Why the population of the earth is changing - The challenges posed by a changing population - The social and economic implications of population change Did you know? - Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger. - That the earth’s population is growing by 9000 people an hour At GCSE Geography you will look at:

Hazards - What tectonic hazards are and what problems they pose - How people are affected by tectonic hazards Did you know? - At this moment in time you are standing on a moving slab of rock….. … . it is moving at about the same speed your finger nails grow - There are over 1 million earthquakes a year, although only around 20 cause severe damage - Scientist have developed a cockroach fitted with a tiny camera called a Roboroach. They intend to use to search destroyed buildings for earthquake victims. At GCSE Geography you will look at:

Resources Resources

Resources

- The differences between renewable and non-renewable resources

- How we produce energy

- Whether the energy resources will ever run out

Did you know? At GCSE Geography you will find out about: - If everyone boiled only the water they needed to make a cup of tea instead of “filling” the kettle every time, we could save enough electricity in a year to run more than three quarters of the street lighting in this country.

Water Water - Where fresh water supplies come from - Why the demand for water is increasing - How we are spoiling our water supplies Did you know? - The rain that falls on you has fallen millions of times before - Every ten seconds a child on earth dies from a disease carried by dirty water. At GCSE Geography you will look at:

Settlement Settlement Did you know? - In 2000, there were around 300 square km of derelict land in England…… … .. that’s enough space to build the city of Liverpool three times At GCSE Geography you will look at:

How demand for housing is increasing

Whether we should build on greenfield or brownfield sites

Why cities in poorer countries are growing so fast and the implications of this expansion

Industry - How the global workplace is changing - Where the new jobs are located - How people can campaign against unfair working conditions Did you know? - In 2000, 70% of 16-24 year olds in the UK bought at least one item from the sports brand Nike. At GCSE Geography you will look at: - Most of Nike’s products are made in China and exported to countries such as USA and the UK. At one of their factories in Hung Wah, young women work from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm, seven days a week sewing Nike clothing. The average wage in the factory is just 13p an hour .

Coasts Coasts - The physical processes that shape the coastlines of the world - The impacts they have - Why so many people live on the coast - The problems that they cause Did you know? - You can own land along the coast – but not under the sea….. … .the sea bed and land below high tide belong to the queen. At GCSE Geography you will look at: - If the ocean's total salt content were dried, it would cover the continents to a depth of 5 feet.

Tourism Tourism Tourism employs more people than any other industry in the world Did you know? At GCSE Geography you will look at:

Why the countryside is being increasing used for recreation

The environmental and human impact that Tourism brings

The ways in which it can be managed

Field Trips Another advantage of GCSE Geography is you have the opportunity to go on a residential field trip to Barcelona for a week.

- Carry out fieldwork on the dried up bed of the River Ribes

- Wander around the city centre

Collect data for coursework in El Raval, the oldest part of the city

- Visit the Nou Camp, home of Barcelona FC

- Spend a day at Port Aventura, one of Europe’s largest theme parks

The following are just some of the activities we do during the week:

How will you be assessed? Your Geography GCSE is made up of three parts: This makes up 25% of your final mark. It is a project that is written up after carrying out fieldwork in either Barcelona or the Docklands of London. Part 1 - Coursework Part 2 – Exam 1 – Decision-Making This is worth 25% of your grade and is based on pre-released resources. Part 3 – Exam 2 This exam is worth 50% and tests your knowledge and understanding of the issues studied

How will Geography Be Useful To My Future Career? Geography at GCSE is an acceptable qualification for many jobs. Many careers require a number of examination passes (usually four or five) and Geography is always accepted.

There are many careers where the study of Geography is a distinct help. Examples of these include: Teaching Armed Services Engineering Geology Local Government Tourism Nature Conservation Business and Commerce Civil Aviation Astronaut

If you want any further information on studying GCSE Geography then speak to a member of the Geography staff: Miss Baynham (Head of Geography) Mr Preshous Mr Ayres Mr Harris