Geography

Fourth Form (Years 7 and 8)

In the Fourth Form we introduce pupils to the inter-disciplinary approach and wide-ranging content of contemporary Geography. We study a variety of Physical and Human Geography topics to acquaint pupils with the crucial skills and approaches required at GCSE and beyond.

Within the course frameworks below, our teachers are encouraged to focus on areas and issues in which they have a particular interest – hence the places and events studied will vary from year to year and between groups.


L4 - Pupils explore a number of engaging topics including what makes a great geographer, why is the world changing and ecosystems. Across these units pupils build skills including map reading, data collection, constructing and interpreting different types of graphs and further their use of ICT.


U4 – Pupils then go on to study changing coasts, including a fieldtrip to Cromer and investigation of why Cromer is being protected from erosion. Followed by the topics a changing world and a dangerous world, in which pupils look at issues such as climate change and the causes and impacts of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Fifth Form (Years 9, 10 and 11)

During the Lower Five year we build on the knowledge and skills developed in the Fourth Form, introducing pupils to the level of detail and style of question they will experience should they continue to GCSE. We cover topics including why am I wrong about the world, factfulness, river environments and what difference can I make. Within these topics we look at the misconceptions we make about the world, gain a more accurate understanding of how people in different countries live and work and investigate the issues surrounding fast fashion and consumerism.


We follow the Edexcel IGCSE Geography specification. This is divided into three sections: The Natural Environment, People and Their Environments and Global Issues. We study a variety of physical and human geography units across the two year course, gaining a breadth of knowledge and developing analytical skills through use of a wide range of graphs, maps and data. The units we cover are: Coastal environments, hazardous environments, economic activity and energy, urban environments and globalisation and migration

Sixth Form

At A-Level we follow the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations A-Level Geography specification.

There are four written papers taken at the end of the Upper Sixth:



Paper 1 – Core Physical Geography (60 marks)

Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology

Atmosphere and weather

Rocks and weathering


Paper 2 – Core Human Geography (60 marks)

Population

Migration

Settlement dynamics


Paper 3 – Advanced Physical Geography (60 marks)

Hazardous environments

Coastal environments


Paper 4 – Advanced Human Geography (60 marks)

Global interdependence

Economic transition


A Level Summary Information

Trips

  • Iceland: We run an exciting trip to Iceland every other October half term (with a trip departing October 2024), this is open to pupils who will be in M5-U6 when the trip departs. This is not linked to the GCSE or A Level specification, therefore, pupils taking any subjects are able to join if they wish.


  • A level: We currently run a trip in L6 to London to visit the Thames Barrier information centre to understand how the Barrier works to protect London from both river and coastal flooding. Followed by visiting the Museum of London to look at the history of the London Docklands. Previous Sixth Form trips have included locations such as the Yorkshire Dales and the Isle of White.


  • GCSE: As part of the GCSE, we carry out fieldwork to collect data that is then used in the final exam. Pupils carry out a full day of coastal fieldwork in Southwold, and then urban fieldwork in Norwich city centre.


  • U4: In U4, pupils visit Cromer to investigate why Cromer is being protected from coastal erosion

FAQs

Do the GCSE and A Level include coursework?

Our current GCSE and A Level exam boards do not require any kind of coursework to be written up. Fieldwork is collected and used in the GCSE exam, but no fieldwork data is needed for the A Level exams.


What type of questions are in the GCSE papers?

The GCSE questions vary from multiple choice, to short definitions up to longer 12 marks ‘discuss’ questions. There are lots of questions that require you to read or understand different resources, graphs or tables of data.



What type of questions are in the A Level papers?

The A Level papers have a variety of questions, from interpreting resources, definitions, explanation and longer essay style answers of 20 marks (approximately 30 minutes writing time per essay answer). 

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