REVISED GCSE. Controlled Assessment Task. Summary of Assessment. Geography

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1 REVISED GCSE Controlled Assessment Task Summary of Assessment Geography

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3 GCSE Geography Controlled Assessment Task Summary of Assessment Title: Study of Colin Glen Forest Park Background to the Exemplar This fieldwork report relates to the controlled assessment title: A Study of How River? Characteristics Change Downstream. We present it here to show teachers how a candidate might approach one of the fieldwork titles for use in Summer 2011 (see specification, Appendix 1). This report has not been produced under controlled assessment conditions, but serves to illustrate the type of report that could be produced. The finished report, is longer therefore than the required 2500 words. The assessment criteria for the controlled assessment task is given in the specification (see Appendix 2). The work was entirely produced by hand; centres should note that candidates may use ICT for all or part of the final report. Stage 1: Task Planning The task was appropriate and satisfies the regulations of the specification. The candidate has demonstrated understanding of the hypotheses and was able to formulate these from the stated objectives. The candidate was able to identify information required to test the hypotheses and explain the results although did not make a clear difference between primary and secondary data. Initiative was shown in suggesting appropriate methods for data collection, including instruments to be used although no consideration was given to Health and Safety issues. (Band 2 5 marks) Stage 2: Data Collection The candidate was very competent in the use of sampling methods and using equipment: clinometer, ranging poles, tape measure, metre stick, callipers and flow meter. Data was recorded in coherent tables and field sketches and notes were made at each site to aid report development 1

4 Stage 3: Report Development Introduction A concise introduction was provided with the task placed in a brief theoretical context. Aims, objectives and hypotheses were stated clearly and concisely. The study was placed in a spatial context with a regional map to show location within Belfast (not included) and detailed map to show study sites. Both maps followed some conventions with titles, scale on one and a north sign on the other; neither map had a key. Detailed information was given of each study site with labelled sketches provided. This is not necessary in the Introduction but may have been used as a data presentation technique in the next section. There was no Northern Ireland context and no use of GIS. Methods were described briefly with clearly labelled diagrams. A description of how sites were chosen was given within the study area; however this may have been better placed with the description of methods. Size of sample and sampling technique for bed load analysis should have been included in this section. (Band 2/3 7 marks) Data presentation There was clear evidence of sorting collected data and appropriate techniques for presenting the data were used and conventions were generally followed. However some axes were not labelled and there was no key provided for the pie charts. Average depth was shown on the bar graphs but this was not indicated by the candidate. ICT was used in the construction of pie charts, although there was a limited level of competence shown here. (Band 2 7 marks) Data Analysis The candidate described clearly and concisely the patterns and relationships identified in the data presented. Spearman s rank correlation coefficient was used with two hypotheses to help analyse the relationships and deviations from trends were identified. Average depth was calculated and terms such as maximum and minimum were used. The candidate included figures throughout the analysis and referred to specific sites showing a clear understanding. 2

5 Interpretation There were valid explanations of data collected which were supported by evidence and theory. The candidate gave a suitable explanation for the results collected at each site, referring to the results by giving examples and providing an exact location in terms of distance from the source. Geology was referred to and the candidate also used land use on the valley sides to make accurate assumptions. Geographical terms were used correctly and provided clear explanations at each site to show apparent understanding of both drainage basin processes and features. The candidate concluded each interpretation by referring back to the hypothesis to prove or disprove it based on the evidence collected. Conclusions A summary was provided that restated the aim and hypotheses. The candidate referred briefly to the study area and at this point indicated the use of primary and secondary data which was omitted from the Planning Section. The candidate provided a justification of choosing each hypothesis and main outcomes they expected to find from carrying out the fieldwork. Each hypothesis was well argued and backed up by the evidence collected. Theory was included to reiterate the reasons for the data collected as a summary as to why characteristics changed downstream. This was also shown in diagrammatic form that linked back to the theoretical context in the Introduction. A final paragraph was provided showing a clear understanding of the enquiry process. (Band 3 9 marks) Evaluation The candidate provides a critical overview of the completed investigation. Advantages and disadvantages of methods used were discussed thoroughly and links made to the possible inaccuracies of data collected. An evaluation of the choice of study area and sampling technique used was also provided. The candidate showed a clear understanding that the shortcomings discussed may have influenced the conclusions drawn. Appropriate improvements to the methods of data collection and initial aim of the investigation were suggested. (Band 3 9 marks) QWC: 5 marks Total for report: 81 3