BSW GCSE Geography

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

The course allows the student to find out more about the world we live in, the challenges and opportunities it offers - and about how to get involved.  

Students discover how people are using different environments, both our own and those in other parts of the world.  Themes studied cover  physical , human and environmental topics.

Issues of sustainability are investigated: will the Earth be able to provide us with all the resources we take for granted now?  The course also investigates the development of different landscapes and the natural forces involved, and the real causes and consequences  of “natural disasters” such as floods, earthquakes and volcanoes.

Assessment

• Two examination papers are taken at the end of Year 11, at either the Foundation or Higher level. These comprise 80% of the total mark.

• Paper 1: the compulsory part of the course, has an emphasis on skills with mainly practical and short answer questions.
  

• Paper 2: focuses more on extended case studies involving  topics relating to environmental hazards and urban issues. of questions.  Each question is broken down into a number of smaller parts.
  

• The Internal Assessment (Coursework):  this comprises 20% of the total mark and involves a fieldwork based  investigation - applying skills and knowledge gained in studying the themes covered.  This will be an opportunity for you to practice what you have learned in the real world.  Coursework is assessed by your teacher and moderated externally.