2009 Coursework Bible1

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

24/6/09

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

2/7/09 13/7/09

11/9/09

Tick when done

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 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)

Tick when done

Appendix (leaflets, original data sheets, reference info)

How are the marks allocated? 1 2 3 4 5

Assessment Area Applied Understanding (Introduction and aims) Methodology (Data collection) Data Presentation (Results) Data Interpretation (Analysis and conclusions) Evaluation (problems and improvements) Total marks

Marks 6 6 6 6 6 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 Grade B

= 21+ = 18+

Grade Grade Grade Grade

C D E F

= = = =

15+ 12+ 10+ 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 1

2

Criteria  The study area is described in a brief and basic manner.  Some understanding of the ideas and concepts involved is demonstrated 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.  The study area is described in detail, on a variety of scales.  A good understanding of the ideas and concepts involved is demonstrated through description and explanation.  The concepts and ideas involved are applied to the enquiry.

Marks 1-2

3-4



3

  

A range of geographical language is used. The broad purpose of the study, its aims and location are given in detail. Questions and issues are thoroughly identified. An effective sequence of investigation is established (especially important as data is collected as a group)

5-6

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 1

2

3

Criteria The methods used are listed.  There is a limited range of techniques used (four or less).  If secondary data is used, the source of the data should be clear.  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 well as how it was obtained.  A broader range of techniques is used (four to six).  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 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).

Marks



1-2

3-4

5-6

3)Data Presentation (6 marks) Level 1

2

3

Criteria  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 missing (scales, keys, title etc).   Presentation/construction skills are weak.  Uses a variety of appropriate methods to present data.  At the upper end of this level, presentation is neat and accurate, with titles, scales, keys, etc in place.  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.   Methods chosen process data in a very clear and effective way. 

Marks 1-2

3-4

5-6

Note: ICT: Highest mark in each level (2, 4, 6) can only be awarded if ICT is

used.

4)Data Interpretation (6 marks) Level 1

2

3

Criteria  Makes statements describing the data.   Some awareness of different attitudes of people involved.  There are some general concluding comments linking to original aims.  Data is described in detail.   There is some analysis (i.e. explanation and reasons for results).  Concluding comments come directly from the data collected and relate directly to the title.   Data is analysed in detail, making links to geographical theory.  Identifies and explains any links between data sets.   Draws sound conclusions, explicitly supported by the evidence (data) and these are clearly related to the aims of the study (i.e. title and subhypotheses- proved/disproved- why?).

Marks 1-2

3-4

5-6

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 1 2

Criteria     

3





There is description of how the enquiry process could be improved.

The reliability of the methods used to collect the data is questioned. The accuracy of the results is questioned.  Suggestions are made on how these issues could be resolved/improved. There is detailed description of how the enquiry process could be improved with explanation and justification of each improvement. 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

Marks 1-2 3-4

5-6

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 Size Name your How many How will you choose data people/ where to be/who to capture time/ question? (e.g. method repetitions random, systematic or etc? stratified?)

E.g. Pedestr ian Count

50

Systematic

Equipment Write down what you will need.

Date

Time

Which day will you do it?

When will you do it?

8th July

pm

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 methods include…

Maps (with scale and title) Simple graphs (with titles, axis labels and keys) e.g. bar graph, pie chart Photos (with titles) Tables (with titles and column/row headings) A land-use map (with key) Field sketch (with title) Flow line map (with title and scale key) Transect sketch (with title and labels)

Skills (4-19) Companion (30-31) Companion (25) Companion (23) Skills (60-61), C’n (30) Skills (50-51) Companion (24)

Complex methods include…

Proportional Symbols Maps Cross-sections Detailed annotated photos/field sketches Scattergraphs with a line of best fit Kite/star graphs Box and whisker diagrams Located graphs (e.g. on a map or cross-section) Isoline maps Overlays Spearman’s Rank or other statistical manipulation

Companion (22, 27) Skills (34) Companion (30-31) Skills (16-17) Info sheet Info sheet Companion (25) Skills (48-49) 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 presentation

Requirements

EXAMPLE: Questionnaire Q. 2 – ‘Where have you travelled from? ‘

Flow line map Map of Britain Two colours for the two sites (Swanage/Studla nd)

Writing Frame for Analysis and Conclusions Level 1 Describe the results and give simple reasons.

Level 2 Begin to manipulate the data, e.g., ratios, %s, fractions, make comparisons.

Level 3 Link more sets of data together (e.g. compare quality of beach to number of people who say this is what they visit for in 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 enquiry could be improved.

Explains how these unreliable data could have affected the results and therefore that the outcomes may be inaccurate.

Goes on to explicitly question the validity of the conclusions, i.e. how unreliable data leads to inaccurate results and conclusions, and therefore the overall outcome is invalid.

Writing Frame for the Bibliography Books Author

Year published

Websites

Other Sources of Information

Title of book

Publisher

Appendices Section 1 – Data presentation techniques Section 2 – Maps