Humanities

Geography

GCSE Geography suits those with an interest in other places and world events, and a desire to understand the causes and consequences of global change.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs E Saville

EXAMINATION BOARD:
OCR

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

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Course outline

This course explores both human and physical Geography and the processes that shape our world. You will study natural disasters, rivers and coasts, the living world including tropical rainforests and cold environments. You will learn about human Geography focusing on the challenges facing our cities, the changing economy and the challenge of managing resources. The course includes many topical issues facing the world today and will help you to understand why things change and how humans can cope and adapt to this change.

“GCSE Geography has helped me to understand more about the world around me – from the way our towns are changing to the consequences this is having on the environment, for example, for example the Calder Valley floods. Every day, there is something in the news that I can link to Geography. ”
— Kate, Adam & Josh, Year 13

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1 30% Exam Living in the UK today – 1 hour
2 30% Exam The world around us – 1 hour and 30 minutes
3 40% Exam Geographical skills – 1 hour and 30 minutes

The future

A-level Geography can be studied here at Ryburn; we expect a minimum of a grade 5 at GCSE. Geography combines well with other subjects both in the Humanities or the Sciences and is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education courses. Geography is highly valued by universities. Graduates in Geography experience some of the best rates of employment of all graduates compared to all other disciplines in jobs as diverse as town planning, flood management, tourism, accountancy and the energy industries (e.g. oil production or renewables).

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History

Studying History enables us to understand the world and our place within it. It builds skills that are crucial in today’s world: the ability to think analytically and critically, to research and evaluate sources, and to present and communicate our ideas persuasively.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs K McIntyre

EXAMINATION BOARD:
AQA

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

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Course outline

The History GCSE encourages learners to become curious and to develop their own opinions based on a respect for evidence. Students will build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. The course develops a wide and deep knowledge of a range of different periods. Students will engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers.

Students will develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and why different interpretations have been constructed about them. Throughout the course students will study a variety of interesting historical topics: the people’s health, the Elizabethans and America, between 1920-1973.

Students are required to have a personal interest in History and be able to demonstrate strong written, oral and analytical skills.

“History is great! Learning about the foundations of everything around you is interesting and without History, where would we be today?”
— Jordan, Y11

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1 50% Exam ‘The People’s Health’ and ‘The Normans’ – 2 hours
3 50% Exam ‘America, 1920-1973’ and ‘The First World War’ – 2 Hours
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The future

A-level History can be studied at Ryburn. History is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education (degree) courses. History is highly valued by universities and employers. History graduates experience some of the best rates of employment ranging from law, journalism and television production. History is a highly valued academic subject, as well as handy in a pub quiz!

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Religious Studies

GCSE Religious Studies will teach you the skills and understanding needed to work with people of all faiths and cultures.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs J Knowles

EXAMINATION BOARD:
AQA

LEVEL:
GCSE (9-1)

WEBSITE

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Course outline

In this course students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth.  Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture.  Students will be able to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues and analytical and critical thinking skills, which will help them prepare for further study.

To be successful you need to:

  • Be able to ask questions and give opinions.

  • Be interested in others and in human beliefs and behaviours. 

  • Express your own beliefs whilst taking into account the beliefs of others.

“I enjoy learning about the different ways religious believers practice their faith and debating questions like ‘War can never be fair’. ”
— Katie, Y10

Assessment method

Unit % of Final Grade Type of Assessment Additional Details
1 50% Exam Study of religions – the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam – 1 hour 45 minutes
2 50% Exam Religious, philosophical and ethical themes – 1 hour 45 minutes
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The future

A GCSE in Religious Studies is a stepping stone to a wide range of future opportunities.  The skills you develop will support you in further studies and employment.  A good grade at GCSE will help you progress to an A-level in Religious Studies.

Furthermore, as you enter the world of work, you will be expected to work alongside people with different beliefs than your own. Religious Studies will teach the skills and understanding needed to work with people of all faiths and cultures. These skills are vitally important in all careers especially professions such as the police, retail, teaching, the law, the caring professions and the armed forces, in fact any profession that brings you into contact with other people.

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