Geography Coursework

Deadlines.

      

1Table of deadlines; write them into your planner so you don’t forget!
2Tick the boxes as you complete each part.

Deadline To be fully completed Tick when

done
24/6/09 Introduction to Location
Including maps.
2/7/09 Methodology
Including initial plan of which graphs to be done.
13/7/09 Data Collection
Including spreadsheets or tables of the data
collected. Collated information shared and recorded.
11/9/09 Data Presentation
All maps, diagrams, graphs, photos.
Analysis and Conclusions
Data interpretation
Evaluation

The WHOLE FINISHED project!!!!! (including

improvements, bibliography, front cover, finishing
touches).

Remember, the above are DEADLINES - the more you can

get done early, the better it will be for you in the long run.

I will be happy to mark or give suggestions on rough drafts if you ask,

 and can arrange lunchtime tutorial sessions or meetings if necessary.
You are also strongly advised to attend Miss Price’s after school
booster sessions.

If you do not meet the deadlines above (or specific targets set
by your teacher), you will be liable for lunchtime and after school
work in order to help you complete the work. If you do not
submit the coursework by the final deadline you will not be
entered for the exam.
You have been warned!!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I organise the project?

1You MUST have the following sections.
2Organise them in the order they are listed
3Those marked with * are directly assessed
4Everything else will be assessed as part of your overall project
5You may add in extra sections if you think it is necessary – but check
the information doesn’t fit into one of the given areas first!

Section Tick
when done
Title page (stating name, tutor group and project title)
Introduction and hypotheses*
Method (Data collection)*
Data Presentation (display ALL of your processed results)*
Analysis (explaining what the results mean)*
Conclusion (answering the original title and hypotheses)*
Evaluation*
Bibliography (list of books and websites used)
Appendix (leaflets, original data sheets, reference info)

How are the marks allocated?

Assessment Area Marks

1 Applied Understanding (Introduction and aims) 6
2 Methodology (Data collection) 6
3 Data Presentation (Results) 6
4 Data Interpretation (Analysis and conclusions) 6
5 Evaluation (problems and improvements) 6
Total marks 30
 How important is the coursework?

Very!! It is 25% of your final exam mark – you are not likely to achieve your
target grade overall unless you achieve it in the coursework.

How much help can I have from teachers?

Teachers can/will
1Make suggestions about how to approach the work
2Suggest ideas you might need to explore and ways you could present
data
3Mark rough drafts and provide feedback comments for improvements
4

4)Provide you with ‘writing frames’ to help you structure the work – these
are given later in the booklet.

Teachers can’t
1Tell you exactly what to write
2Draw your graphs for you
3Help in analysing data or drawing conclusions.

How should I present the finished project?

1Neatly written on A4 lined paper OR typed on plain A4 paper using a PC

2Pages numbered and secured with treasury tags (so you can rearrange
 easily)
3Held in a simple, lightweight folder (not each page in a pocket!)
4All text, photos, sketches, maps and diagrams fully integrated.

Can I work in a group to produce the project?

No! You can collect data in groups, but you must do all the other work by
yourself, with guidance from a teacher.

How long should the project be?

About 2500 words, but don’t forget you need maps and diagrams too. Aim
for an average of 4 pages for each section, though the Data Presentation
and Analysis sections should be the largest.

Do I have to use computers?

Yes! You must use computers for some of the project. Use of ICT is
assessed in
1Data collection
2

2)Data presentation

Can I do everything on computers?

No! You must produce some hand-drawn maps, sketches or diagrams.

 How can I use ICT in the Data Collection
chapter?

1Use the Internet to gather secondary data e.g. on the number of people
who are affected by flooding in Salisbury each year; the types of
services available
2Using a digital camera to capture images of fieldwork
3Scanning in photos or other images to show how data was collected
4Putting your results in a spreadsheet in Excel
5Using Google Earth to show locations or features in an area

How can I use ICT in the Data Presentation

chapter?
In lots of ways, including:
1Charts or graphs done on Excel
2Annotated (labelled) digital images – using text boxes and ‘draw’ toolbar
3Annotated (labelled) maps & aerial photos or satellite images (e.g.
Google Earth) – using text boxes and ‘draw’ toolbar

How can I prove I have used ICT in my research?

The examiner will be able to see some of the ICT evidence for themselves,
but you must keep a record of the websites you use. These must be
recorded in the bibliography at the end of the project. The bibliography
must also record any books you use for research.

How do I make a Bibliography?

A blank bibliography writing frame is provided at the back of the booklet –

use this throughout the writing of the project, then type it up in neat at the
end! In general, books should be listed as shown below, and websites need
the address and dates you accessed them. Subheadings are useful.

Books
Waugh D & Bushell T. (1992) New Key Geography for GCSE (Nelson Thornes)
Bowen A & Pallister J (2002) Understanding GCSE Geography (Heinemann)

Websites
www.streetmap.co.uk (7th July 2009)

What are the Grade Boundaries?

These can change from year to year. The following are

estimates:
Grade A* = 26+

Grade A = 21+
Grade B = 18+
Grade C = 15+
Grade D = 12+
Grade E = 10+
Grade F = 8+

How will my work be assessed?

1Your Geography teacher marks the projects to the Exam Board’s

marking criteria.
2All projects are moderated – the Geography teachers sit down and
compare marks to ensure that the marks awarded are fair.
3Some projects will have to be sent to the examiner; these are selected
at random by the examiner.
4As you go along your teacher may mark each section of the project and
give you advice on improvements.
5You will be advised of your overall mark a couple of weeks after the
moderation process has taken place.
Assessment Criteria – Mark Scheme
The assessment criteria for each section of the project is explained in
the next few pages – use the criteria to complete and improve your
work.
1The marks for each section are split into 3 levels. Level 1 is lowest.
2Look carefully at the levels to see what is expected. Aim for level 3!

1)Applied Understanding (6 marks)

Level Criteria Marks
1  The study area is described in a brief and basic manner.
 Some understanding of the ideas and concepts involved is demonstrated 1-2
through brief description.
 The concepts and ideas involved are only applied in a simple manner to the
enquiry.
 A limited range of geographical language is used.
2  The study area is described in detail, on a variety of scales.
 A good understanding of the ideas and concepts involved is demonstrated 3-4
through description and explanation.
 The concepts and ideas involved are applied to the enquiry.
  A range of geographical language is used.
3  The broad purpose of the study, its aims and location are given in detail.
 Questions and issues are thoroughly identified. 5-6
 An effective sequence of investigation is established (especially important as
data is collected as a group)
Note: - You will need maps of location (local, regional and national scale)
- Background data may be useful (e.g. the number of tourists visiting Dorset each
year).

2) Methodology (6 marks)
Level Criteria Marks
1  The methods used are listed.
 There is a limited range of techniques used (four or less). 1-2
 If secondary data is used, the source of the data should be clear.
2  There are descriptions of the methods used with some detail (e.g. sampling
technique, timings, selection).
 If secondary data is used, the reasons for its choice should be explained as 3-4
well as how it was obtained.
 A broader range of techniques is used (four to six).
3  Clear and detailed description of methods used to collect and record data.
 Methods and data required are justified (explanation of why they were
used-how this data helps answer the title and hypotheses).
 If secondary data is used, the reasons for its choice should be 5-6
explained as well as how it was obtained.
 Reference to the limitations of data (where necessary) and/or problems
encountered in collection.
 A broad range of techniques are employed (six of more).
3)Data Presentation (6 marks)
Level Criteria Marks
1  Uses a limited range of basic methods (e.g. bar charts) to present the data.
 At the low end of this level, some required information may be incomplete or 1-2
missing (scales, keys, title etc).
  Presentation/construction skills are weak.
2  Uses a variety of appropriate methods to present data.
 At the upper end of this level, presentation is neat and accurate, 3-4
with titles, scales, keys, etc in place.
3  Uses accurately a wide variety of appropriate methods some of which are
more complex (e.g. scattergraphs, proportional symbol maps).
 Some justification of the methods of presentation chosen. 5-6
  Methods chosen process data in a very clear and effective way.

Note: ICT: Highest mark in each level (2, 4, 6) can only be awarded if ICT is
used.

4)Data Interpretation (6 marks)

Level Criteria Marks
1  Makes statements describing the data.
  Some awareness of different attitudes of people involved. 1-2
 There are some general concluding comments linking to original aims.
2  Data is described in detail.
  There is some analysis (i.e. explanation and reasons for results). 3-4
 Concluding comments come directly from the data collected and relate
directly to the title.
3   Data is analysed in detail, making links to geographical theory.
 Identifies and explains any links between data sets. 5-6
  Draws sound conclusions, explicitly supported by the evidence (data)
and these are clearly related to the aims of the study (i.e. title and sub-
hypotheses- proved/disproved- why?).
Note: - Quote data and identify patterns. Comment on ‘strange’ results (ones that stand
out or go against expectations) – suggest logical reasons why they occurred.

5)Evaluation (6 marks)
Level Criteria Marks
1 
 There is description of how the enquiry process could be improved. 1-2
2  The reliability of the methods used to collect the data is questioned.
 The accuracy of the results is questioned. 3-4
  Suggestions are made on how these issues could be
resolved/improved.
3  There is detailed description of how the enquiry process could be
improved with explanation and justification of each improvement. 5-6
 Links are made between the reliability of the methods, the
accuracy of results and therefore the validity of any conclusions that
have been drawn.

WRITING UP YOUR COURSEWORK

In order to achieve the best grades possible, you might like to use prepared
writing frames to help you structure your chapters. Complete the sentences
and develop them into paragraphs. Add as much detail as you can

REMEMBER THESE FRAMES ARE A GUIDE ONLY. YOU DO NOT HAVE

TO FOLLOW THEM, AND YOU SHOULD ADD MORE PARAGRAPHS IF
NECESSARY

Writing Frame for the Introduction

Writing Frame for Method

Construct a summary table for your methods first

Method Sample Sampling Technique Equipment Date Time
Size
Name your How many How will you choose Write down Which day When
data people/ where to be/who to what you will you do will you
capture time/ question? (e.g. will need. it? do it?
method repetitions random, systematic or
etc? stratified?)
E.g. 50 Systematic 8th July pm
Pedestr
ian
Count

Then for each of your data capture methods use the following writing
frame…
Method

To carry out this experiment firstly….

Then

Next

Finally

This will help to show… this is where you link back to your geography and
theories and explain why each method you have chosen is going to help you
to test your hypothesis/title question.
 A guide to how this is marked…
1-3 methods listed = Level 1

3-5 methods listed and described = Level 2

5-8 methods listed, described and explained/justified/linked to title = Level 3 (and

also adds to your AU mark).

To fully achieve Level 3, you also need to show EVIDENCE OF ORIGINALITY. This
means using an extra method or an additional area/time of data collection to
everyone else to show you have also used your own individual ideas and initiative in the
project.
Writing Frame for Results

Data presentation does not just start with your results. You may have
already picked up marks in the introduction and methodology by using maps
and tables.

The key to a good mark in this section is the range (number) of presentation
methods and complexity. Use the tables below for ideas about how to
present your data and how many different data presentation methods you
should being aiming at using.

A guide on how to achieve marks

1-2 methods 1 mark
3-4 methods 2 marks
5-6 methods 3 marks
7-8 methods 4 marks
7-8 methods (inc. 1 complex method) 5 marks
7-8 methods (inc. 2 or more complex method) 6 marks

Normal Maps (with scale and title)

methods Simple graphs (with titles, axis labels and keys) Skills (4-19)
include… e.g. bar graph, pie chart
Photos (with titles) Companion (30-31)
Tables (with titles and column/row headings) Companion (25)
A land-use map (with key) Companion (23)
Field sketch (with title) Skills (60-61), C’n (30)
Flow line map (with title and scale key) Skills (50-51)
Transect sketch (with title and labels) Companion (24)
Complex Proportional Symbols Maps Companion (22, 27)
methods Cross-sections Skills (34)
include… Detailed annotated photos/field sketches Companion (30-31)
Scattergraphs with a line of best fit Skills (16-17)
Kite/star graphs Info sheet
Box and whisker diagrams Info sheet
Located graphs (e.g. on a map or cross-section) Companion (25)
Isoline maps Skills (48-49)
Overlays
Spearman’s Rank or other statistical manipulation Info sheet
What methods of data presentation can you use?

Use the following table to help you plan your data presentation.
DATA PRESENTATION - Planning

Data Method of Requirements

presentation
EXAMPLE: Flow line map - Map of Britain
Questionnaire Q. 2 – Two colours for
‘Where have you the two sites
travelled from? ‘ (Swanage/Studla
nd)
Writing Frame for Analysis and Conclusions
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Describe Begin to Link more sets of data
the results manipulate the together (e.g. compare
and give data, e.g., ratios, quality of beach to number
simple %s, fractions, of people who say this is
reasons. make what they visit for in
comparisons. questionnaire).
Writing Frame for the Evaluation
You basically need to find everything that could possibly be wrong,
inaccurate or biased in your investigation and report!
Use the guide below to help you…
The limitations of the methods were
(what went wrong, why the data may be unreliable
or inaccurate, problems you encountered.)

A useful start is to ask yourself

the following questions:

 What problems did you have?

 What solutions did you have to
employ?
 In what ways could your data
be unreliable or inaccurate?
 How could you improve this, if
you did it again?
 Should you have collected data
at different times of the day
or week?
 Did the weather affect your
results?
 Did you use enough
questionnaires to get a reliable
result?
 How accurate were the data
recording methods? (Could you
have miscounted?)
 What other data might have
been useful?
 What was the
most/least useful data?
 How would you further
extend your study?
 How valid is the overall
conclusion?
This meant the results may be
inaccurate because

My conclusions may be invalid because

I could improve my investigation by

Level One Level Two Level Three

Just identifies how the Explains how these Goes on to explicitly question
enquiry could be improved. unreliable data could have the validity of the conclusions,
affected the results and i.e. how unreliable data leads to
therefore that the inaccurate results and
outcomes may be conclusions, and therefore the
inaccurate. overall outcome is invalid.
Writing Frame for the Bibliography

Books
Author Year Title of book Publisher
published

Websites

Other Sources of Information

 Appendices

Section 1 – Data presentation techniques

Section 2 – Maps