Grade Descriptors

Examples

TERM 1

Content

Living with the physical environment-

Physical landscapes in the UK- Coasts and rivers

This unit is concerned with the dynamic nature of physical processes and systems, and human interaction with them in a variety of places and at a range of scales. The aims of this unit are to geomorphological, biological and meteorological processes and features in different environments, and the need for management strategies governed by sustainability and consideration of the direct and indirect effects of human interaction with the Earth and the atmosphere.

Challenges in the human environment

The changing economic world
This unit is concerned with human processes, systems and outcomes and how these change both spatially and temporally. They are studied in a variety of places and at a range of scales and must include places in various states of development, such as higher income countries (HICs), lower income countries (LICs) and newly emerging economies (NEEs). The aims of this unit are to develop an understanding of the factors that produce a diverse variety of human environments; the dynamic nature of these environments that change over time and place; the need for sustainable management; and the areas of current and future challenge and opportunity for these environments.

 

Skills

Ordnance Survey maps: • use and interpret OS maps at a range of scales, including 1:50 000 and 1:25 000 and other maps appropriate to the topic • use and understand coordinates – four and six-figure grid references • use and understand scale, distance and direction – measure straight and curved line distances using a variety of scales • use and understand gradient, contour and spot height • numerical and statistical information • identify basic landscape features and describe their characteristics from map evidence • identify major relief features on maps and relate cross-sectional drawings to relief features • draw inferences about the physical and human landscape by interpretation of map evidence, including patterns of relief, drainage, settlement, communication and land-use • interpret cross sections and transects of physical and human landscapes • describe the physical features as they are shown on large scale maps of two of the following landscapes – coastlines and fluvial landscapes • infer human activity from map evidence, including tourism.

 

TERM 2

Content

Geographical applications

The Geographical applications unit is designed to be synoptic in that students will be required to draw together knowledge, understanding and skills from the full course of study. It is an opportunity for students to show their breadth of understanding and an evaluative appreciation of the interrelationships between different aspects of geographical study.

Revision- Paper one and Paper 3

 

Skills

This section contributes a critical thinking and problem-solving element to the assessment structure. The assessment will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate geographical skills and applied knowledge and understanding by looking at a particular issue(s) derived from the specification using secondary sources.

Exam questions will revisit and allow students to practice all of the key skills as outlined by AQA throughout the revision process.

 

TERM 3

Content

Revision- Paper two

 

Skills

Exam questions will revisit and allow students to practice  all of the key skills as outlined by AQA throughout the revision process.