From September 2009 we will be introducing the new OCR B Geography GCSE. This is an exciting new course, presenting a ‘modern’ approach to the subject.  A range of human and physical topics are investigated over two years.  Pupils study four periods of Geography each week and are allocated a textbook written specifically for the course.

Why Choose Geography?

Geography tackles the big issues of today.  The world in which we live is expected to witness great change over the next 50 years due to important geographically related issues, e.g. climate change, changing global markets and rapid urbanisation.  Studying geography helps explain these changes and it will help you prepare you for the changes that will affect your life.  GCSE Geography bridges the gap between the humanities and sciences; it therefore has links with many subjects: Biology, Chemistry, History and Mathematics.

So what will studying Geography give you?

Geography offers you opportunities to develop a wide range of essential life skills: spatial awareness – map skills, enquiry skills – asking questions and finding answers, data collection, presentation and analysis skills and also communication, ICT and report writing skills. Geography also encourages problem solving and decision-making. In a competitive world this broad range of skills is essential.

How is the course structured?

The course addresses current global issues and topics; there is a focus on the environment and how societies around the world should be using the Earth’s resources and environments in a sustainable way.

The two-year course is based on four themes: Theme One: Rivers and Coasts; Theme Two: Population and Settlement; Theme Three: Natural Hazards and Theme Four: Economic Development.

How is the course assessed?

What is the Sustainable Decision Making Exercise (SDME)?

This element of the course gives you the opportunity to develop decision-making skills.  The exam topic is presented as a booklet of resources which pupils study for three weeks before the examination, in the January of Year 11.  Pupils are also permitted to use the booklet during the examination.

What does the Geographical Enquiry involve?

This unit replaces the Geography Coursework Project and is delivered through two pieces of work.  Part A - Fieldwork Focus – 1200 word report.  Pupils use fieldwork data to produce a short report.  Most of this work is completed in school in supervised lessons.  Part B - Issue Investigation – 800 word research report. Pupils are able to research one of nine topical geographical areas: Disease, Trade, Ecosystems, Sport, Fashion, Energy, Fishing, Crime and Tourism.  The final report is completed during lesson time.

What Fieldwork opportunities are there?

Fieldwork is a very important aspect of the course and pupils are offered a full range of fieldwork activities.  In Year 10 pupils explore Newport as an urban case study, and in Year 11 there is a four day residential field trip to South Devon to explore rivers, coasts and tourism.

For further information about the OCR B specification see: www.ocr.org.uk