1. GCSE (9-1) Geography
Ass

2.
Introducing Eduqas
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

3. 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
The challenge for Eduqas has been to try to remove the constraints of Controlled Assessment, and to open up fieldwork possibilities. If fieldwork is to focus assessment on skills and application, rather than test recall, then it is more important to get students thinking geographically.  All ABs will have their own view of the relative importance of this concept. Thinking geographically and the role of the enquiry process are fundamental to the philosophy of Eduqas' geography. The Eduqas model of fieldwork has been developed to ensure that learners are involved in this process.

4. Two different qualifications, each with a distinctive enquiry approach
DRAFT

5. What’s new? 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

6. New AO3 = two thirds of assessment of fieldwork

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

8. WJEC & WJEC Eduqas fieldwork
WJEC GCSE qualifications take a common approach to fieldwork in England and Wales:
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?
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?
A common paper between the two specifications. Two other advantages of the Eduqas specification are that:
1 Learners should be actively involved in planning the enquiry process – posing questions, selecting samples etc – you could relate this back to the framed / independent enquiries on the Margaret Roberts slide
2. The conceptual approach will encourage learners to relate their understanding of the unique features of their field study site to the wider UK dimension. They should be encouraged to pose their own geographical questions which relate to wider issues and concepts

9. 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

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

11. Geography B summary of assessment
Component 1
Component 2
Component 3
40%
96 marks
(plus 4 assessing SPaG)
30%
72 marks
72 marks of which 36 assess fieldwork
One hour 45 minutes
One 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 :
first fieldwork enquiry
second fieldwork enquiry
the UK dimension
Theme 1, Changing Places - Changing Economies.
Theme 2, Changing Environments.
Theme 3, Environmental Challenges.

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

13. 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
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

14. http://www.eduqas.co.uk/training/#preparetoteachcourse Training Events
Preparing to teach the new
Eduqas Geography GCSE
Full day events:
5th November – Exeter
10th November – Manchester
11th November – Nottingham
12th November – Birmingham
16th November – Winchester
17th November – London
18th November – York

15. Any questions? Contact GCSE Geography Subject Officer: Andrew Owen
Follow on Twitter:
@eduqas
Visit the website: