5 minute read
Humanities Options
Geography
Why study this subject?
Geography is one of the most successful subjects at GCSE in the Academy.
“Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future.” Michael Palin
• Geography provides opportunities through fieldwork, for first hand investigation of places, environments and human behaviour • Geography builds a knowledge and understanding of current events from local to global • Geography develops skills for the future, including literacy, numeracy, ICT, problem solving, team work, thinking skills and enquiry • Geography values your views when making decisions about issues
GCSE in Geography (AQA Specification A Full Course 8035)
What can this qualification lead to afterwards?
The skills you will gain by studying Geography are well-respected by colleges, universities and highly sought after in almost every job. These skills include the ability to: • Write well in a variety of styles • Organise your work and meet tight deadlines • Summarise, argue and debate • Research, select, analyse, organise and present information • Think logically and critically • Work as part of a team
Jobs related to Geography include: • Architect or Urban Planner for sustainable projects • Environmental Engineer • Environmental Management • Teacher • Social Worker • Market Research Analyst • Coastal Engineer • Accountant • Banker • Lawyer • Landscape Architect • University Lecturer • GIS Specialist • Surveyor
What topics will I study on this course and how will I be assessed?
You will study a wide variety of topics relating to Physical and Human Geography. The topics are organised into the following three units:
Unit 1: Physical Geography Unit 2: Human Geography Unit 3: Geographical Applications
The Challenge of Natural Hazards
Urban Issues and Challenges The Living World The Changing Economic World
Physical landscapes in the UK Examination (35%) The Challenge of Resource Management Examination (35%) Issue Evaluation
Fieldwork
Geographical Skills
Coursework (30%)
Throughout the course lessons are taught in a variety of ways that develop pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding. Emphasis is placed upon the techniques required to answer the examination questions.
The department uses a wide range of audio-visual and ICT resources as well as text books and worksheets. The nature of the subject demands that contemporary case studies are used. Pupils are encouraged to keep up to date with the news.
How much ‘Get Set’ will I have to do?
Get Set will be allocated as per the timetable on the Academy website. It will help pupils prepare for future learning with engaging and motivating exercises. This could be anything from reading an extract from a book to watching a video clip related to their subject area. Link To Get Set
For further details, please speak to Mrs Shearn, Subject Leader of Geography.
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/ geography-8035
History
Why study this subject?
“How do you know who you are unless you know where you’ve come from? How can you tell what’s going to happen, unless you know what’s happened before? History isn’t just about the past. It’s about why we are who we are – and about what’s next.” Tony Robinson (Actor/Television Presenter).
The world we live in today has been shaped by the world of yesterday. History at Key Stage 4 will enable you to learn about that world, to better understand the current issues facing us all. You will also develop a wide range of useful skills that are prized by employers, and which will help you become confident, questioning members of society.
Marcus Garvey famously wrote: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”
GCSE in History (OCR) J411 GF QAN: 601/8408/5
What can this qualification lead to afterwards?
The skills you will gain by studying History are wellrespected by colleges and highly sought after in almost every job. These skills include the ability to: • Write well in a variety of styles • Organise your work and meet tight deadlines • Summarise, argue and debate • Research, select, analyse, organise and present information • Develop critical thinking skills
History would be a particularly good option to choose if you are interested in having a professional career. History is a great all-round subject, using a variety of skills. Common careers include: • Journalism • Law • Business • Politics • Archaeology • Marketing • Media • Teaching • Armed Forces • Police • Tourism • Architecture
What topics will I study on this course?
We have chosen options which allow for a broad and diverse study.
20% of GCSE 20% of GCSE 20% of GCSE
20% of GCSE 20% of GCSE Thematic study British Depth Study History Around Us
Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to present The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087 Study of a historical site and how it changed over time Period Study The Making of America, 1789-1900
World Depth Study Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-1945
Do I have to do any coursework?
No there is no coursework in the new History GCSE.
How much ‘Get Set’ will I have to do?
Get Set will be allocated as per the timetable on the Academy website. It will help pupils prepare for future learning with engaging and motivating exercises. This could be anything from reading an extract from a book to watching a video clip related to their subject area. Link To Get Set
How will I be assessed on this course?
This specification follows a linear approach with all official examinations at the end of the course. Throughout the course, students will be set mock examinations to assess progress and to practice examination technique. There are also, regular revision sessions and a tailor-made website designed specifically for your course.
The final assessment for the GCSE is 100% examination based at the end of Year 11.
For more information about the OCR qualification: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/history-bschools-history-project-j411-from-2016/
For further details, please speak to Mrs Chandler, Subject Leader of History.
