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

WJEC or Eduqas? WJEC will offer three GCSE qualifications for first teaching in 2016 and first assessment in 2018: WJEC GCSE Geography – available to centres in Wales WJEC Eduqas Geography A – available to centres in England WJEC Eduqas Geography B – available to centres in England

Two different qualifications, each with a distinctive enquiry approach

Key changes in England New grading system (9-1) means more stretch and challenge Non-tiered papers No controlled assessment – fieldwork assessed by examination only Fieldwork is only worth 15% 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 What’s new?

New AO3 = two thirds of assessment of fieldwork

Suitable ways to target this AO with your own students might be to use the following openings when posing questions of your own: 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

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

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 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

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 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.

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

WJEC & WJEC Eduqas fieldwork WJEC GCSE qualifications take a common approach to fieldwork in England and Wales: 1.Learners should be actively involved in planning the enquiry process and methodologies – posing questions, selecting samples etc. E.g. how could I use my smartphone apps in collecting data? Where should I collect data? What kind of fieldwork report should I write? 2.A conceptual approach encourages learners to relate their understanding of the unique features of their field study site to the wider UK. E.g. What have I learned here that could apply elsewhere?

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.ukresources.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

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

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