Geography

To enable students to better understand the world around them. By studying Geography, they will gain an understanding of the processes and features of different natural landscapes, and the potential hazards associated with them. They will also gain knowledge of different human landscapes and an understanding of the processes occurring within them. Geography aims to provide students with a unique perspective of contemporary issues by looking at the interaction between humans and the natural environment, this provides students with a more in-depth understanding of the world and will equip them in finding effective solutions to these contemporary issues.

Geography LTP 2025-26

Geography at Key Stage 4

Geography is part of the extended core curriculum at Key Stage 4.  Students must study either Geography, History, or a language. 

Aims of the Course 

GCSE Geography allows students to build on their Key Stage 3 knowledge and develop the skills to: 

  • Develop their knowledge of places, environments, and processes, and of different scales including global, social, political and cultural contexts. 
  • Gain an understanding of the interactions between people and environments, and the changes in places and processes over time. 
  • Develop and extend their competence in a range of skills including those used in fieldwork, using maps, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and in researching secondary evidence, including digital sources.
  • Apply geographical knowledge, understanding, skills and approaches appropriately and creatively to real world contexts. 
Course Content 

All geography courses allow students the opportunity to study a balance of physical and human geography.   
 
Areas of study include: 

  • Global hazards
  •  Climate change 
  • Landscapes 
  • Ecosystems 
  • Future of urban areas 
  • Development 
  • UK in the 21st century 
  • Reliance on resources

All students will also participate in two fieldwork investigations that relate to the course content. 

 

Assessment 

OCR GCSE Geography B 9-1 (J384) 

100% Examination. 

  • Our Natural World: 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks (35%) 
  • People & Society: 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks (35%) 
  • Geographical Exploration: 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks (30%)
Beyond GCSE 

Geography provides students with many universal skills that can be used for further and higher education, or in the workplace. Many of our students go on to successfully study Geography at A level and Degree level.  Geography is a well-respected and facilitating subject, so is suitable for many pathways. 

Further information

The awarding body for GCSE Geography is OCR. Further details about this qualification can be found on the OCR website here: Geography B (Geography for Enquiring Minds) - J384.