Geography GCSE

GCSE Course: Years 11 and 12

At GCSE Level, we follow the CCEA Specification which takes a thematic approach to the study of Geography:

Theme A – Atmosphere and Human Impact
In this theme, the focus is on understanding the atmospheric processes that shape our weather and climate, both locally and globally. Questions explored include:
How can we overcome climatic difficulties to increase agricultural production?
Are we responsible for global warming?

Theme B – Physical Processes and Challenges
This theme is divided into three distinct sections to explore tectonic activity leading to earthquakes and volcanoes, river environments and limestone landscapes. Questions explored include:

How can we reduce the damage caused by earthquakes across the world?
What is the best strategy to defend our towns and cities from floods?
What is the most sustainable option for managing limestone environments like The Burren, County Clare?

Theme C – Ecosystems and Sustainability
The links between climate, vegetation and soils are examined from local ecosystems like Belvoir Forest (Belfast) and Cuilcagh Mountain (Fermanagh) to the Amazon Rainforest (Brazil). There is an overriding theme of conservation and questions explored include:

Just how rapid are the world’s rainforests being destroyed?
How can we promote sustainable ecotourism in places like the Masai Mara, Kenya?

Theme D – Population and Resources
The rapid growth of the world’s population in less developed regions is contrasted with the problems of ageing in western societies. In this theme, the issue of resource use and misuse is examined along with the need to find alternative, renewable energy resources in the present and future. Questions explored include:

Why are some parts of the world more densely populated than others?
What are the implications for the UK of having an ageing population?
Which renewable energy options should be focused on in Northern Ireland?

Theme E – Economic Change and Development
The world of work and industry is changing and in this theme the impacts of globalisation, aid and trade are examined in light of the global village of the 21st century. Questions explored include:

Why are traditional industries being replaced by hi-tech ones?
Who actually benefits from the globalisation of industry?
How can we promote fair trade as an alternative to free trade?

Theme F – Settlements and Change

The advance of industrialised cities across the world is studied along with their consequences. In this theme the changes in Belfast are examined from the decline of industry to the regeneration projects in the city. Questions explored include:

What is the relationship between settlement size and distribution?
Is rapid urbanisation a good thing?
How do we create sustainable cities and manage their ever increasing traffic problems?

Fieldwork & Coursework

Pupils currently undertake an urban study in Newtownards and complete an individual project that accounts for 20% of their GCSE mark in Geography.

Throughout the GCSE programme, we are committed to tackling the big global issues of the 21st century.