Course Title: OCR GCSE in Geography B – J385

The aims of this specification are for learners to:

1. Actively engage in the process of geography to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds,
2. Develop their knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and appreciate the relevance of these concepts to our changing world

What will I learn?

Syllabus content: There are four key themes within this specification. The themes, and some examples of the work that will be covered are:

Theme 1: Rivers and Coasts

1. How does river flooding illustrate the interaction between natural processes and human activity?
2. Why is the management of coastlines important?

Theme 2: Population and Settlement

1. What are the causes and consequences of natural population change over time?
2. Why does migration occur and what are its effects?
3. How is the pattern of land use within cities changing?
4. What affects the provision of goods and retail services in rural and urban settlements?

Theme 3: Natural Hazards

1. What is the global distribution of different types of natural hazard?
2. How do natural hazards affect people and places in parts of the world with different levels of development?

Theme 4: Economic Development.

1. What is meant by "development"?
2. How and why are there variations between the employment structures of different countries?
3. What determines the location of different economic activities?
4. How do multinational companies affect development?

How will my learning be assessed?

Sustainable Decision Making

1. 25% of the total GCSE marks
2. 1 hour written paper

The Sustainable Decision Making Exercise provides candidates with opportunities to investigate issues related to sustainable development such as:

1. Flood management strategies
2. Coastal management strategies
3. Population management strategies
4. Settlement development and planning
5. Hazard planning and protection
6. Hazard prediction methods
7. Aid and development
8. Managing economic development and environmental conflict

A resource booklet is provided in advance of the examination. This means candidates can spend valuable time studying the information in advance of the examination. This allows for in-depth study of the issues, thus enhancing the depth of candidates' answers.

Geographical Enquiry

1. 25% of the total GCSE marks
2. Controlled Assessment (Coursework)

This unit consists of two tasks, a fieldwork investigation (approximately 1200 words) and a geographical investigation (approximately 800 words.)

The fieldwork focus requires candidates to collect primary data, analyse it, and come to a conclusion and evaluation. The subject matter for the fieldwork will be taken from the four key themes within this specification.

The geographical investigation allows candidate’s to undertake an investigative report, which focuses on a particular area or issue. This report can take a variety of forms, including a website, posters, video, podcast, oral report (interview), written pamphlet or a formal report. The nine geographical themes which could be used for this investigation are:

1. Disease,
2. Trade,
3. Ecosystems,
4. Sport,
5. Fashion,
6. Energy,
7. New technologies,
8. Crime,
9. Tourism.

OCR will set two tasks for the geographical themes, which will be changed on an annual basis.

Final examination on the key themes

1. 50% of the total GCSE marks
2. 1 hr 30 minutes written paper

Key Skills

This specification provides opportunities for the development of Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology, Working with Others, Improving Own Learning and Performance and Problem Solving

Geography has a considerable overlap with the requirements of Key Stage 4 Citizenship Knowledge. It also develops the candidates understanding of European and global links, and the interdependence of people and places.

Opportunities for the future

Geography is a subject which is relevant to a wide range of careers, not only due to its content, but also because of the wide range of skills and methods that it teaches.

Where do geographers go?

Careers include: accountancy, banking, local government, teaching, police forces, tourist board, royal navy, nature conservancy, forestry, architecture and retail management.

This specification provides a framework for candidates to develop their spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural understanding. Through study of the content of the key themes, there are many opportunities for candidates to experience a sense of awe and wonder of the natural world. There is also potential for candidates to experience, appreciate and relate to cultures other than their own.

Most geographical issues have a moral dimension. They provide opportunities for candidates to develop a sense of fairness and justice through the exploration of values and attitudes, related to economic development, trade and aid.

For further information, please contact Rev Deeny.