TSHS Worldwide

There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, environmental responsibility and global interdependence, geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable.

Whatever your passion for the world, a fascination with landscapes or concerns about the environment or inequality, not only will geography provide you with relevant knowledge, it will also give you a wide range of skills in preparation for college or work:

• Intellectual skills such as critical thinking and decision making.
• Research skills such as the collection of information through fieldwork.
• Transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving.
• Personal attributes such as time-management, creativity, responsibility and flexibility.

GCSE Geography offers fresh, innovative and lively lessons designed to catch the imagination and interest of all learners. The brand new GCSE looks at geography from a new, real life, perspective:

• Focussing on a range of issues facing the world today – you will find the relevance to everyday life refreshing and interesting, studying topics that reflect the real world.
• Giving the opportunity to combine geographical and vocational elements of study – you will be engaged by modern content and the opportunity to use creative methods to present your work (e.g. cartoons & videos).
• Providing a flexible, modular approach to assessment, with re-sits if necessary. A variety of assessment methods give appropriate opportunities for all students. Assessment will allow you to understand how well you are doing, and what you need to do to fulfil your targets.

Lessons will be motivating and creative, using up-to-date technology and personalised resources suiting your ability and learning style. The focus is on developing skills such as the use of Geographical Information Systems, enquiry and analysis through fieldwork and out of class learning. You will actively develop as an effective and independent learner and as a critical and reflective thinker with an enquiring mind.

There are four units of work – less subject content will allow you to develop deeper understanding and achieve greater success:

Unit title and description	Assessment	Weighting
Extreme Environments You will study two contrasting environments (e.g. desert and polar or mountain environment) You will develop an appreciation of and a caring attitude towards the environment – you will live the course rather than simply studying it	Written exam 1 hour 4 structured questions	25%
You as a global citizen – the impact of our decisions You will complete two pieces of work – firstly an investigation into how consumer decisions have an impact on people, and secondly an investigation into a local shopping area Presentation formats include posters, video, oral and cartoons You will develop a responsibility as a global citizen, recognising how to contribute to the future of the planet You will understand people’s views of the world, its environments, societies and cultures, and understanding of the significance of values and attitudes to the development and resolution of issues	Controlled assessment (coursework) Externally moderated Work can be submitted electronically	25%
Similarities and differences You will study a location in the UK that is special to you and one non-UK city or region You will identify and explore links between the two locations This unit includes ‘How do you feel about your place?’ and ‘what are the major issues affecting your place at the moment?’	Written Exam 1 hour	25%
Issues in our fast changing world You will deal with identifying issues and possible future scenarios Issues in this unit will be of global concern You will be able to examine assessment resources prior to the exam You will gain the skills for this unit during the rest of the course and by being aware of topical issues during the course	Computer-based test or written exam	25%

 

The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes. Geography is about the future and flexible thinking – it is unlikely that you will spend all your life in one job, so flexible thinking is a great attribute.

If you enjoy studying geography – carry on studying it. You are more likely to obtain your best results in a subject you enjoy.

For more information, please see Mr Motler in the geography department

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