Geography is the integrated study of the earth‘s places, peoples, environments and societies. At its core lies the understanding of the relationships and impacts between people and the environment. It is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with its understanding of the dynamics of societies, cultures and behaviour, and the earth sciences (physical geography) in the understanding of physical landscapes and the dynamics of environmental processes. Geography also recognises the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world.

Why choose Geography?
• Geography is the most popular optional GCSE subject in the UK
• It is the 4th most popular subject at A Level
• It is studied by 16, 000 undergraduates in 103 universities
• Geography has one of the highest rates of graduate employability: highly valued by employers for its combination of knowledge, integration and key skills.

At Fettes we follow the OCR Syllabus A.   We study four units of work:
1. People and the Physical World – the interaction between humans and their natural environment, including plate tectonics (volcanoes and earthquakes), river and coastal studies.
2. People and Places to Live – population studies including density, structure and migration.
3. People and their needs – the differences in quality in life, economic activities and energy.
4. People and the environment – resource development and management, environmental issues facing local and global environments.

The final GCSE grade is composed of 25% for project work done on a geographical topic of the students' choosing, 25% for a 1hr examination paper on geographical skills and 50% for a 2hr examination paper on geographical theory and application.  

Field and Project Work
The collection and analysis of data on the world around us is a key part of Geography.  All students do a variety of types of fieldwork locally during their course with the focus being on the collection of their data at the end of the Fourth Form. Students complete one piece of project work later in the course, which they develop into a 2000 word project. Here students learn how to compile and write a report about a geographical topic. The department also takes foreign expeditions to many popular destinations including Iceland (2002) and Morocco (Easter 2009). 

Who teaches GCSE Geography?
The course is currently taught jointly by Mrs Y. Mitchell, Mr B. Welsh, Mrs H. Harrison and Miss J. Reid.

What are the set sizes?
Currently the largest set in the 5th Form has 21 students.

How good are the Geography results? Not bad! In June 2006 60% of all candidates gained an A or A* with 90% gaining A*-B. Geography is a subject in which everyone can succeed.

Where can I find further information of Geography as a study option?
The department has a range of brochures. Alternatively you can check the web sites of the Royal Geographical Society and The Geographical Association at: www.rgs.org  or   www.geography.org

Mrs Y Mitchell