Parental Information | KS4
Exam Board Information
- We currently teach Edexcel Geography Specification A
- There are two exams papers that are sat at the end of Year 11. These comprise 75% of the marks awarded
- Based on pupil work throughout the two year course, teachers will decide if a pupil should sit the Foundation Tier (C-G grades) or the Higher Tier (A*-E grades). This decision is made after the Year 11 mock examinations
- There is one investigative coursework project that needs to be conducted. This involves field work followed by a detailed report writing. We aim to complete coursework by the end of Year 10. Coursework comprises 25% of the marks awarded
Marking and Assessment
- GCSE folders are normally kept in school
- GCSE folders are checked at the end of each topic. Comments are written on the cover page for each topic
- Good work is rewarded with a green ‘globe’ stamp. Certificates are awarded when pupils achieve 25, 50, 75 or 100 globes. An excellent pupil might expect to receive about 25 globes in one term
- Homework is set (at least) every 2 weeks and is typically an exam practice question or a short project to prepare pupils for their GCSE coursework. Pupils are always asked to record homework in their diaries. Teachers record all homework set in Student Shared Work (accessible via the website)
- At the end of each topic pupils are asked to complete self-assessment forms to help them identify how they can progress. Pupils are encouraged to complete these with their parents
- If a teacher is very pleased with a pupil they might decide to send a congratulations postcard home or issue a commendation slip
- Hour long exam practice tests are conducted at the end of each unit of work. These tests must be taken seriously as they provide guidance to the teacher when he/she decides if a pupil should be entered for the Higher or Foundation Tier. End of unit tests are marked in accordance with exam board specifications and a grade is given. Pupils will be asked to take home marked tests for their parents to see (there is a parental signature box). These tests should be returned to the class teacher and stored in Pupil Progress Portfolios
- If a pupil’s behaviour, classwork or homework is causing concern and pupils are not responding to the efforts of their class teacher, the pupil will be put on Head of Department Report or asked to complete a ‘Progress Passport’. In this rare event a letter will be sent home advising parents about our concerns and detailing pupil targets for improvement
School Trips
The Geography Department run a range curriculum related trips which provide pupils the opportunity to extend their learning outside the classroom. Letters will be sent home detailing specifics and requesting parental consent.
- Year 10 (October): Saltdean - To view the effects of coastal erosion
- Year 10 (March): Wales Farm, Plumpton - To explore pastoral farming in the UK
- Year 11 (September): Preston Park – To view how different trees have adapted
Coursework and Field Work
We currently investigate the changes in rivers from source to mouth. Pupils can choose from 2 rivers to study. Field Work is conducted in May/June.
- 1. The River Ogwen, Snowdonia National Park (5 day residential field trip)
- 2. The River Cuckmere, East Sussex (2 day non-residential field trip)
