Main Topics

Rivers and Coasts; Natural Hazards; Economic Development; Population and Settlement and
Sustainable Development. The course stresses its links with literacy, numeracy, ICT and Science.
 
There is one fieldwork opportunity which students are required to attend in order to collect data for their coursework.

Assessment

Sustainable Decision Making Examination
Taken in June of Year 10 25%
Geographical Enquiry (Controlled Assessment) 25% (in total)
Terminal Examination
One exam taken in June of Year 11 50%

The Sustainable Decision Making Examination is based around the theme of sustainable development and covers one of the main topics listed above. It involves students reading an ‘Advanced Information Booklet’ prior to the examination. The resources in the booklet are used for classroom study and then a ‘clean’ version is available to candidates whilst sitting the examination. The examination is 1 hour.

The Controlled Assessment consists of two tasks. One is a fieldwork focus of a hypothesis or question and the other is a geographical investigation linked to one of nine topics (disease, trade, ecosystems, sport fashion, energy, new technologies, crime, tourism). The ‘fieldwork focus (approximately 1,200 words) and the ‘Geographical investigation (approximately 800 words) will be submitted for external moderation in January of Year 11.

The Terminal Examination assesses candidates on the remaining three themes that have not been
covered in the Sustainable Decision Making Exam. Candidates will be expected to recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of places, environments and concepts as well as demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. The examination is 1hr 30mins.
 
Students can be entered at one of two tiers:
Foundation-accessing grades G to C
Higher accessing grades D to A*

Decisions about the tier of entry follow consultation and are made late in Year 10 for the Sustainable Decision Making Examination and late in Year 11 for the Terminal Examination.

A student revision guide accompanies the course. This can be purchased from any bookshop or through the department and will be on display at the open evening.

Progression

Success in this subject allows students to progress on to Sixth Form ‘A’ level courses at Northallerton College and to achieve good results through these courses. Many of our students progress to take Geography or Geography related courses in higher education.

 

   Applicants from an
   outside area please
   contact Mrs Phipps