Introduction

KS4 Geography at XIC builds upon the KS3 Programme of Study engages students in critically looking at the world in which they live from our International Setting. They will develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of current events from the local to the global area; develop a holistic understanding of geography by investigation of our diverse Earth and peoples and apply this knowledge and understanding to real-life 21st century UK and International challenges.

Integrated within the course they will develop a range of skills which include map reading, data collection, ICT and problem solving. The subject balances a thorough knowledge and understanding of international geography and helps to develop the skills that students need for their next steps in education or employment.

Teaching

The specification is divided into three themes which have been designed to develop an understanding of both the natural and the human environment:

• • 1  Population and settlement
  • 2  The natural environment
  • 3  Economic development.

Students will  take three papers: two theory papers, i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2, and one practical paper, either Paper 3 (Coursework) or Paper 4 (Alternative to Coursework).

If students complete coursework, you will complete one assignment and just take Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the examination. However, if you they are not doing coursework, they will take three papers in the examination, i.e. Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 4.

For paper 1 have to answer three of the six questions available, one from each section, so that they answer one question on each of the three themes. Each question will be based on one or more resources, which may be a photograph, a map, a sketch map, diagrams, graphs, written information or tables of data. Students will be asked to analyse and use the resource/s to show your understanding of geographical ideas. For paper 2, this tests geographical skills. You must answer all the questions, including a compulsory map-work question. You will need to use the map extract to answer specific questions about the area shown on the map. The map-work question may include the use of grid references (4 and 6 figure) and direction, distances, understanding contour lines, and interpreting physical and human features of the area. The other questions will require students to complete and use a variety of different graphs, diagrams, photographs, tables of data, etc and to interpret the information. 

Why study GCSE Geography at XIC?

Through the Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus, students will develop a ‘sense of place’ by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. They will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and study some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.

Successful XIC GCSE Geography students develop lifelong skills, including:

• an understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments
• an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale
• the ability to use and understand geographical data and information
• an understanding of how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments.