Geography at The Cornerstone Academy

During Year 7, 8 and 9 we will be studying the geography curriculum created by United Learning and adapted by The Cornerstone Academy, which has been developed to ensure that all students understand what it is to be geographer whilst developing a curiosity in the world and its people. We will study a range of places around the world and find out what they are like. Geography is an ever-changing subject and we will encourage students to understand the links and connections between places and topics, whilst studying some of the biggest issues which face people today. 

In Year 7 we will study:

Introduction to Geographical skills 

Introduction to Global Climate 

Development 

Water and rivers 

World of Work 

Fieldwork

In Year 8 we will study:

Tectonics 

Population  

Coasts 

Ecosystems 

In Year 9 we will study: 

Life in an emerging economy  

Climate change 

Issues of urbanisation 

Energy 

Fieldwork 

Studying geography gives you the opportunity to travel the world via the classroom, learning about both the physical and human environment. You’ll understand how geography impacts your life every day and discover the key opportunities and challenges facing the world. 

What will I study?  

Over the two year GCSE course you will cover lots of interesting topics.  

Living with the physical environment 

Discover more about the challenge of natural hazards and the living world, physical landscapes of the United Kingdom and human interaction with them. This unit develops an understanding of the tectonic, geomorphological, biological and meteorological processes and features in different environments. It provides you with the knowledge about 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 

This unit is concerned with human processes, systems and outcomes and how these change both spatially and temporally. You will develop an understanding of the factors that produce a diverse variety of human environments; the dynamic nature of these environments that changeover time and place; the need for sustainable management; and the areas of current and future challenge and opportunity for these environments.  

Fieldwork  

Students will complete a fieldwork experience at the end of year 10 to give them hands on experience that they will then apply to their paper 3 exam. 

How will I be assessed?  

You’ll have three written exams.

• Papers 1 and 2 are 1 hour 30 minutes long and together, they contribute to 70 % of your final mark
• Paper 3 is 1 hour 15 minutes and contributes to the final 30% of your GCSE grade. 

Where will GCSE Geography take you?

Choose GCSE Geography and you’ll learn how today’s world was shaped and understand the challenges we face in the future. You’ll also examine the Earth’s natural resources and the increasing battles between the man-made and natural world.  
This knowledge, paired with your essential curiosity, will give you the sought-after transferable skills for success in further education and the workplace.