Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Geography

Edexcel IGCSE Geography 4GE1

Why study Geography? Geography is the subject that tackles ‘head on’ the complexities of meeting the needs of today without compromising those of the future. It offers an integrated study of the fascinating relationships between people, places and the environment and allows pupils to explore many of the pressing challenges of the 21st Century. Through diverse activities, pupils will extend their knowledge and broaden their interest in the world around them. Fieldwork is undertaken locally and on the Dorset coast. environments and the dynamic interrelationships between them. In Physical Geography, pupils study hazardous environments including the challenges represented by earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical cyclones, how these forces of nature develop and their impacts and management. In their study of coastal environments, pupils discover spectacular landscapes and consider the challenges of defending against coastal erosion and sea level rise and of protecting specialised and precious ecosystems such as coral reefs. This unit involves fieldwork and primary data collection. What does the course cover? The course covers a broad range of physical and human

In Human Geography, pupils study urban environments, assess the reasons for and challenges presented by the dramatic rise in urbanisation, and discuss the complex issues around sustainability, social and economic inequality. In the Economic Activity unit, the dynamic global economy and how different places fit into it is studied, issues relating to resource management and the challenge of meeting global energy needs whilst reducing carbon footprints. In Globalisation and Migration, the acceleration in global trade and its impacts are considered, looking at the impact of the boom in international tourism and exploring pathways to more sustainable travel. The fascinating world of international migration and its effects are also studied.

How is the course assessed? The final grade is based on performance in two written examinations:

Paper 1: Physical Geography 40% of final mark, 1 hour 10 minutes

Pupils answer short and longer tariff questions on Hazardous and Coastal Environments, including their own and unfamiliar fieldwork.

Paper 2: Human Geography 60% of final mark, 1 hour 45 minutes

Pupils answer short and longer tariff questions on Economic Activity and Urban Environments, including a fieldwork-related question, and on Globalisation and Migration.

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