WHAT WILL I STUDY?

If you have a genuine interest in the world around you and current issues and events then Geography is
most certainly the subject for you. The AQA Geography GCSE is designed to highlight the main issues
and concepts that young adults are likely to encounter in their current and future lives, such that they
can make better-informed decisions and be aware and sensitive to a wide range of viewpoints and
challenges. If you have a genuine interest in the world around you and current issues and events then
Geography is most certainly the subject for you. The AQA Geography GCSE is designed to highlight
the main issues and concepts that young adults are likely to encounter in their current and future lives,
such that they can make better-informed decisions and be aware and sensitive to a wide range of
viewpoints and challenges.

HOW IS THE COURSE STRUCTURED AND ASSESSED?

Geography GCSE is composed of 3 units. You will be examined on:

• Unit 1: Living with the Physical (35%)
• Unit 2: Challenges in the Human Environment (35%)
• Unit 3: Geographical Applications (30%)

UNIT 1 (1.5 HOUR EXAM):
The Challenge of Natural Hazards – Understanding the impacts that Natural Hazards have on the
Human Population
Physical Landscapes in the UK – Understanding the diverse landscapes of the UK, including our coasts
and river systems.
The Living World – Understanding the world’s Ecosystems, including Tropical Rainforests and Hot
Deserts.

UNIT 2 (1.5 HOUR EXAM):
Urban Issues and Challenges – Why do we have such a diverse variety of Human Environments?
The Changing Economic World – What are the global variations in Economic Development and Quality
of Life?
The Challenge of Resource Management – Why is the distribution of food, water and energy resources
uneven?

UNIT 3 (1.5 HOUR EXAM):
Issue Evaluation – Based on Pre-Release Material surrounding a particular Geographical Issue, it will
involve critical thinking and problem solving, by using the secondary resources made available to you.
Fieldwork – There will be two fieldwork investigations, that will involve data collection and a mixture of
Physical and Human Geographies.
Your Unit 1 and Unit 2 assessments will take in May/June, at the end of Year 11.
Your Unit 3 Pre-Release Material will become available in March ready for preparation work.
Fieldwork will take place in Year 10 and Year 11.