GCSE Geography

At Ysgol y Grango pupils study WJEC GCSE in Geography 500/4596/9. Geography is a popular option at GCSE and groups are currently taught by Mr. A. Price, the Subject Leader.

The new WJEC syllabus is split into two sections:

Unit 1 - The Core
Unit 2 - Options

The Core

In Year 10 all pupils study the six themes that constitute Unit 1:

A. The Physical World

Water
Climate Change
Living in an Active Zone

B. A Global World

Changing Populations
Interdependence
Development

At the end of year 10 summer term, pupils sit an external WJEC examination on the above topics. There is an opportunity to resit the following year.

In year 11 all pupils study three of the option themes, one physical, one human and one other. All pupils study the same options which are decided by the Subject Leader.

Options

A. Physical Options

Our Changing Coastline
Weather and Climate
Living Things

B. Human Options

Tourism
Retail and Urban Change
Economic Change and Wales

At the end of year 11 summer term, pupils sit an external WJEC examination on the above topics.

Controlled Assessment/Coursework

All pupils complete two controlled assessments during the course, which together account for up to 25% of the final mark.

The mark weightings for the examinations and controlled assessments are as follows:

Unit 1: Core Geography (40%); Written Paper 1 hour 45 minutes
Unit 2: Options Geography (35%); Written Paper 1 hour 15 minutes
Unit 3: Geographical Enquiry (25%); Controlled Assessment