Why+Choose+Geography??

//There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, Geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable.- From the GA (Geographical Association)

Whatever your passion for the world - fascination with landscapes or concerns about inequality - Geography will provide you with knowledge and transferable skills that will reward you personally and advance you professionally. - From the RGS (Royal Geography Society)//

From September 2009, Geography embarks on a new and exciting change as the WJEC introduces a new specification. Gone are the traditionally difficult aspects of the course (including coursework) and in comes new, fresh ideas and approaches to the World of Geography. See the new GCSE Spec here on the wiki. NEW GCSE SPEC.

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BUT. [|Is Geography for me?]
As you get closer to narrowing down your options, you should think about a few things. This applies just as well to any subject, not just Geography.

If you enjoy a subject you will work harder and be more attentive. That will lead to a happier couple of years, and a better grade at the end of it. If you enjoy several subjects, go to step 2...
 * Step 1: Most important - do you enjoy it?**

If you have several subjects you enjoy, think about which ones you are best at. Remember though, that if you haven't done well recently it doesn't mean you won't do better next year, especially as the people in your group will change which may help you concentrate better. If you are still struggling, go to step 3...
 * Step 2: Are you good at it?**

If you haven't made your decisions based on Steps 1 and 2 (and even if you have), take a look at the department you will be working in. Every subject has huge strengths, and you need to decide which are appropriate for you. In last year's GCSE exams, 4 out of 5 Geography students at Blackwood got a grade C or better - and 1 in every 6 got an A or an A*. Is this something that is important to you? You can also think about the classrooms, access to technology, and the staff - but see the word of warning in Step 5!
 * Step 3: The Department**

If you still can't decide, get details from the Options Evening and Parents Evening (Thursday 22nd Jan) about the course you are going to study. You might find Geography more interesting than you thought - from global issues like climate change and fighting poverty, right down to why you live in your house and why there isn't a cinema nearby, geography is an interesting subject. Remember also that some new subjects that sound fabulously exciting might not turn out the way you think they will. This brings us on to the next point...
 * Step 4: What will you study next year - is it interesting?**

You might want to study with the same teacher for the next two years. Or you might want to get away from one you have at the moment! But don't let this be something that influences your decision to do any particular subject. Remember that teachers are unlikely to teach all the groups in your year for GCSE, and even if they do, in all subject areas teachers move on from time to time.
 * Step 5: The teachers**

Whatever you decide, make sure it is the right subject for you. The Geography Department naturally wants you ALL to do Geography because we think it is the most important and varied subject you could take (where else will you learn about global warming, rainforest destruction, shopping patterns and coastal erosion?) but we also want you to make the right decision. Ask us at //any time// if you want more advice.

Watch the movie below: What is Geography?
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