Geography

Geography bridges the gap between Arts and Sciences. Studying Geography at Thetford Grammar School provides an equal balance between studies of the human and physical environment.

Geography is particularly appropriate for those with a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate them effectively.

There has never been a better time to study Geography.  Geographical ideas have become increasingly frequent in local, national and international debates on key issues including pollution, poverty, immigration, globalisation, and the increasingly common and ever more devastating natural disasters.  Having knowledge and understanding of geographical issues has become essential in industry, government, science and education.  At TGS we hope that studying Geography will engage students in current affairs and inspire them think critically and reflect on the local and global environment.  

Students will have opportunities to investigate the course through field trips including Cambridge, The North Norfolk Coast and possibly Iceland!

KS3

Year 7

  • 21st Century Map Skills
  • Water, Water Everywhere
  • People and Where They Live

Year 8

  • The World of Weather
  • Comparing Countries
  • Bloomin' Rainforests and other Ridiculous Ecosystems

Year 9 

  • People and Their Environment
    • The Polar Regions
    • Energy Resources
  • GCSE Geography
    • The Changing Landscape of the UK
    • UK Challenges

KS4

Course Outline and Assessment Information

The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Geography A consists of three externally-examined papers.

Component 1

The Physical Environment

Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 37.5% of the qualification. 94 marks.An externally-assessed written exam with three 30-mark sections (4 marks SPaG). 

Content Overview

Topic 1. The Changing Landscapes of the UK – including optional sub-topics from which pupils choose two from three, 1A: Coastal Landscapes and Processes, 1B: River Landscapes and Processes and 1C: Glaciated Upland Landscapes and Processes.

Topic 2: Weather Hazards and Climate Change

Topic 3. Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management

Component 2 

The Human Environment. 

Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 37.5% of the qualification. 94 marks. An externally-assessed written exam with three 30-mark sections (4 marks SPaG).

Content Overview

Topic 4: Changing cities

Topic 5: Global development

Topic 6: Resource management–including optional sub-topics from which pupils choose one from two, 6A: Energy resource management and 6B: Water resource management

Component 3

Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges. 

Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 25% of the qualification. 64 marks. An externally-assessed written exam with three sections.

Content Overview

Topic 7: Geographical Investigations−Fieldwork

Topic 8: Geographical Investigations−UK Challenges

A Level

Physical systems. 72 marks. 1hr 45min paper. 24% of A level.

  • Landscape Systems
  • Earth’s Life Support Systems
  • Geographical Skills

Human interactions. 72 marks. 1hr 4min paper. 24% of A level.

  • Changing spaces; Making Places
  • Global Connections
  • Geographical Skills

Optionality – study 2 of 5. Geographical debates. 96 marks. 2hr 30 min written paper. 32% of the total A level.

  • Climate Change
  • Disease Dilemmas
  • Exploring Oceans
  • Future of Food
  • Hazardous Earth

Investigative geography. 60 marks. Non-examination assessment. 20% of total A level.

  • Independent Investigation.

 

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