GCSE (9-1) Geography Ass

Eduqas is the new brand from WJEC, offering Ofqual reformed GCSE, AS and A level qualifications for first teaching from 2016 WJEC Eduqas Geography qualifications are available to teachers in England, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands Eduqas enables teachers to distinguish between WJEC’s current specifications and Ofqual reformed specifications Introducing Eduqas

Why choose Eduqas? Access to subject experts by phone or . Stable and experienced examining teams. Content that is contemporary. The Eduqas model of fieldwork has been developed to ensure that learners are fully involved in the enquiry process – to help develop thinking, critical geographers

Two different qualifications, each with a distinctive enquiry approach

What’s changed? New grading system (9-1) means more stretch and challenge Non-tiered papers New assessment objectives and new weightings. The new wording for AO3 (application), in particular, may have implications for how you teach New stretch and challenge in the assessment of AO4 (mathematical and statistical skills) will also have implications for teaching & learning There are training materials on the Eduqas website alreadytraining materials

1.Analyse the impacts on … 2.Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of … 3.Discuss the points of view of … 4.What are the limitations of? 5.To what extent do you agree? 6.Which is the best option? 7.Justify your decision / choice. 8.What are the costs and benefits? 9.How might things change in the future? 10.What might be the consequence? 11.What ought to happen …? 12.Who should…? Interpret Analyse Evaluate Make judgements Suitable ways to target this AO with your own students might be to use the following openings when posing questions of your own:

Locational knowledge of the UK The geography community (GA/RGS) are concerned about how superficial knowledge of locations can lead to limited understanding of place (Alan Kinder and Bangladesh floods). A more holistic knowledge of location and place should allow candidates to develop a deeper understanding of issues and concepts. Some element of synthesis UK geography will have to be assessed leading to resource/training issues – addressed partly in the November meetings

Changes to fieldwork No controlled assessment – fieldwork assessed by examination only Fieldwork will be worth 15% rather than 25% currently Regulations will require two pieces of fieldwork in contrasting environments to focus on physical & human geography and physical/human interactions Each awarding body will require a fieldwork statement that describes the fieldwork opportunities offered by the school. Opportunity to strengthen the department’s request for time/resources from SLT.

Geography A summary of assessment Component 1Component 2Component 3 35% 84 marks (plus 4 assessing SPaG) 35% 84 marks (plus 4 assessing SPaG) 30% 72 marks of which 36 assess fieldwork (plus 4 assessing SPaG) One hour 30 minutes One hour 15 minutes Two core questions: 1. Landscapes and Physical Processes 2. Rural-urban links Two core questions: 5. Weather, climate ecosystems 6. Development and Resource Issues Three compulsory questions : 1.first fieldwork enquiry 2.second fieldwork enquiry 3.the UK dimension One Option from: 3. Tectonic Landscapes and Hazards 4. Coastal Hazards and their Management One Option from: 7. Social Development Issues 8. Environmental Challenges

Why choose Geography A? Optional routes through the content allow teachers to specialise Contemporary content that includes geographical issues such as migration, the impacts of mass tourism, health geography, gender inequality and mitigating risk in tectonic zones An enquiry approach to fieldwork that engages learners and gives teachers optimum flexibility of design Clear and concise guidance for each enquiry question through the depth of study statementsdepth of study statements

Geography B summary of assessment Component 1Component 2Component 3 40% 96 marks (plus 4 assessing SPaG) 30% 72 marks (plus 4 assessing SPaG) 30% 72 marks of which 36 assess fieldwork (plus 4 assessing SPaG) One hour 45 minutesOne hour 30 minutesOne hour 15 minutes Three compulsory questions. One question on each Theme: A problem solving paper in the tradition of Avery Hill style examinations Three compulsory questions : 1.first fieldwork enquiry 2.second fieldwork enquiry 3.the UK dimension Theme 1, Changing Places - Changing Economies. Theme 2, Changing Environments. Theme 3, Environmental Challenges.

Why choose Geography B? Contemporary content that includes geographical issues such as river and coastal management / how globalisation impacts on our daily life A problem solving paper that encourages learners to think geographically Clear and concise guidance for each enquiry question through the depth of study statementsdepth of study statements The opportunity to explore values and attitudes An enquiry approach to fieldwork that engages learners and gives teachers optimum flexibility of design

Common focus on enquiry rather than content/themes Common requirement for locational/place knowledge of the UK dimension plus one LIC and one NIC Common Component 3 Same distinctive landscapes of the UK: rivers & coasts Investigating the two specifications further Similarities

Main differences Specification A 1.Optional routes allow some breadth/depth of study 2.Decision making embedded in some extended questions 3.Overarching concepts 4.TRF plus one other biome 5.Coastal management is an option 6.Tectonic landscapes & hazards option Specification B 1.No optional routes 2.Decision making embedded in some extended questions PLUS Component 2 3.Values & attitudes 4.Savanna plus one other biome 5.Coastal management is core 6.No opportunity for tectonics

What’s next? June WJEC is currently in dialogue with the regulator about both draft Eduqas specifications. Any required amendments are being made July WJEC present a number of ‘launch’ events as well as attending CPD events organised by other bodies such as the GA Aug The regulators will be considering the amendments we have made. Autumn We would hope to gain accreditation for the new specifications in this period. We will update teachers on the progress of our qualifications on the Eduqas website. Nov WJEC present a number of ‘preparing to teach’ events across England

Training Events Preparing to teach the new Eduqas Geography GCSE Full day events: 5 th November – Exeter 10 th November – Manchester 11 th November – Nottingham 12 th November – Birmingham 16 th November – Winchester 17 th November – London 18 th November – York

Visit our website to access qualification information and download key documents. eduqas.co.uk/geography Free Eduqas digital resources to support the teaching and learning of a broad range of subjects. resources.eduqas.co.uk resources.eduqas.co.uk Resources for Teachers Free support with potential for centre visits to new centres and consortia visits New text books published by Hodder are being written by experienced authors and examiners to include Andy Leeder and Bob Digby Suggested programmes of study (two and three years) and other teacher resources are being written by experienced teachers

Any questions? Contact GCSE Geography Subject Officer: Andrew Owen Follow on Visit the website: