AQA GCSE Geography Lesson This lesson requires the Oxford GCSE Geography for the AQA specification This lesson includes a number of activities including photograph interpretation, a worksheet to help the students with an evaluation question and further skills such as map and graph interpretation. The actvities are based around the Oxford GCSE Geography for AQA. Thanks, and hope it helps. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1A: In this second lesson in the section we look at the natural causes of climate change. We start with a quick knowledge check on climate change with a quiz. We then look at orbital changes, sunspot activity and volcanic eruptions as mechanisms for causing climate change. The pupils will have a worksheet to fill in and there are information sheets for each mechanism. This could be done as a round the room activity or group work, it’s up to you. We use Tambora as an example of volcanic activity affecting climate. We finish with GCSE-style question with some suggested content if they need help. In a nutshell lesson includes: Climate change quiz starter Worksheet activity on mechanisms for natural climate change Video clips where appropriate GCSE-style question with guidance on suggested content. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1B: In this lesson we look at what how plants and animals have adapted to the environmental conditions in the rainforest. The lesson has a retrieval practice starter to begin with. We then look at what biodiversity is and why the rainforests are particularly diverse. We then look at rainforest stratification and plant adaptations. The students have a sheet to complete and some information slides to use to complete the sheet. This could be used as a carousel or group work task. The sheet can even be coloured in! Then the students complete a mix and match up task on the most common types of animal adaptations. The students then complete a rating task with explanation as to how significant are threats to biodiversity in the rainforest. We finish with a GCSE-style practice question with some guidance and structure provided for the students. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

Key Stage 3 lesson for a scheme of work on The Rise of The Dictators. In this lesson we look at the Russian Revolution of 1917 and its causes. We begin by looking at Tsar Nicholas II, we then watch a video clip on the reasons for the Revolution. We use info cards and visual hexagons to examine the causes in more detail. We then look at the rise of the Bolsheviks and the pupils create a scroll through history to explain the events of the rise of Bolshevism. We look at a source featuring Lenin and finish on a “to what extent” question. I hope this proves useful and saves you some time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at the formation of headlands and bays through the process of differential erosion. We start with a simple retrieval practice quiz. We then introduce the concept of differential erosion and how geology can play big role in the formation of bays and headlands. the pupils are introduced to the features then use a trace outline diagram to alter the coastline to predict what it might look like in the future. The pupils then label the diagrams to show how headlands and bays are formed. We then look at concordant and discordant coastlines. We start by analysing a map of the Swanage coastline, the pupils questioned as to why the coast has different features and shapes. The pupils make a geological map of the area using an outline map, they them annotate where the two types of coastline are. We finish with a GCSE-style question on the role of geology in the formation of landforms on the coast. In a nutshell lesson includes: Retrieval practice starter Trace it 3-step diagram on the formation of bays and headlands. A geological outline map of the Dorset coastline activity. 6 mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at the different types of weathering and mass movement. We start with a true or false retrieval practice quiz on wave types from the previous lesson. We then introduce the concept of weathering and proceed to look at mechanical, biological and chemical weathering. The pupils have a variety of annotation, drawing and question tasks to complete on the worksheet. Moving on to mass movement, the pupils get a second worksheet with 4 different slopes on. The pupils then are given information on each type of mass movement. They sketch the type of mass movement onto their slope and add labels. We finish with a simple GCSE-style question which I get the pupils to answer on a post-it note. In a nutshell lesson includes: True or False starter on wave types Weathering activity sheet with diagrams and questions. Mass movement ‘change the slope’ activity sheet. Video clips where appropriate GCSE-style question plenary Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 2A: In this lesson we look at the emergence of megacities and the reasons for urbanisation. We start with a quick photo starter of Tokyo. We introduce the two concepts of natural increase and rural-urban migration. The pupils have a worksheet to fill in regarding push/pull factors, firstly adding their own ideas, then with some input from the teacher, then they categorise into social, economic and environmental. We then look at megacities, with a introductory video. the pupils then plot the location of the megacities as of 2018 using longitude and latitude coordinates. The pupils then have some extension tasks around their map. We then have a brief interlude to consider what living in a megacity might be like and watch a short clip on Tokyo and living in such a high density population. We then finish with a comparison of a map showing megacities from 1975 and answer a GCSE-style question. In a nutshell lesson includes: Photo starter Video clip Push/pull worksheet exercise with questions. Long & lat skills task followed by map interpretation. Video of Tokyo GCSE-style question using map with guidance Plenary quiz Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at what managed retreat is and we also consider an example at Medmerry in West Sussex. The starter is a a simple true or false quiz that is used for retrieval practice, but is easily edited. We introduce the concept of coastal management schemes first and then we explore the definition of managed retreat with a simple fill in the gap task and the pupils consider when it might be appropriate as a strategy and when not. We introduce Medmerry, the pupils write a description of it’s location before we look at the scheme and why it was needed. The pupils have a worksheet, the questions are answered whilst the pupils watch a video clip on the scheme. They then complete a visual plan map of the scheme to show how the area is flooded. We then consider the benefits and costs of the scheme in a categorising task. We finish with a 6 mark question on the effectiveness of coastal management schemes. The pupils have some guidance on this if you feel they need it. In a nutshell lesson includes: Retrieval practice starter Short tasks on definition of managed retreat and location of Medmerry. Worksheet tasks with questions and a plan view map of the scheme. Information categorising task on costs and benefits of the scheme. 6-mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 2A: In this lesson we look at social opportunities in one borough of London, Shoreditch. We start with a photo interpretation of Shoreditch today so the pupils can start to think about what Shoreditch is like and what type of people may live there. the pupils will have a worksheet to work through as the lesson progresses. we start by looking at Shoreditch in the 1980’s (1981 really due to census data). The pupils get a feel for what the borough was like then. We then introduce modern day Shoreditch with a video. The pupils then use an information sheet to complete tasks regarding various aspects of life there including housing, ethnic and cultural mix, entertainment etc. We briefly consider the negatives of urban change in the area before tackling a GCSE-style question on the positive impacts urban change has had on people in a HIC. The pupils do have some help with some points to get them going if they need it. In a nutshell lesson includes: Photo interpretation starter Worksheet task on old and new Shoreditch Video clips where appropriate GCSE-style question with guidance Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 2A: In this lesson we look at the environmental challenges of urban sprawl and housing provision in London. We start with a retrieval practice grid with questions based on the London unit so far (but you just amend to whatever you want). We then look at what urban sprawl is, we then consider the advantages and disadvantages of urban sprawl in a spray diagram. The pupils are given some sentence starters to help them consider what they might be. We move on to consider if there is a housing shortage in London. We use house prices as a proxy for this and the pupils spend some time working with a graph of house prices and completing some questions related to the graph. We then consider the options London has of developing on either brownfield or greenfield sites. The pupils complete a photo annotation task on the two types and what the advantages and disadvantages of building on both types are. We then move on to a mapping activity where the pupils map the available greenfield and brownfield sites for development. They answer some questions related to London’s options to solve its housing problems and what the impact on the environment might be. Once we have completed the diagram we tackle a 6-mark question on the effects of urban sprawl on the environment and people. There is guidance should the pupils need it. In a nutshell lesson includes: Retrieval practice starter Benefits and drawbacks of urban sprawl diagram task Greenfield and brownfield photo annotation task Video clips where appropriate Mapping London’s greenfield and brownfield sites task. GCSE-style question with guidance or live writing exercise. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

A Key Stage 3 lesson for Religious Studies on Christmas. This resource is perfect for Christmas Cover work or just a final lesson before the holidays. There is a variety of activities for the pupils to undertake all with a Christmas theme which may involve research, creativity and revision. The sheets are best printed off as A3 sheets, double sided, but if lessons are short (45-50 mins) you could just use one side of the sheet. When using both sides it is a good double lesson or two single periods. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

A Key Stage 3 lesson from a climate change unit of work which looks at the causes and impacts of wildfires with a focus on the recent California Wildfires in 2025 and the role climate change has to play in increasing the risk from wildfires. There is a retrieval practice starter followed by an introduction to wildfires. We look at the types of wildfires and sort the causes into human and physical causes. We then look to see if climate change has had an effect on wildfires. There is a video notes sheet to assist with this. We then look at California, the students complete a colouring by numbers task on the distribution of wildfires throughout the state. We then look at the impacts of the 2025 fires and the students sort these into social, economic and environmental. We then sort some responses into short-term and long-term. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 2A: In this lesson we look at where people in the UK live and the reasons for our population distribution. The starter is based on the population total for the UK and the pupils have some questions to think about. I usually do this as a discussion. There is also a can you name 15 cities starter which works well for high ability groups. We then look at cities in the UK. the pupils have a map and need to find the location of some of the major cities in the UK, we then briefly talk about their distribution. Next the pupils consider the human and physical factors that affect population distribution before putting this knowledge to work on a worksheet with several tasks and questions. We finish with GCSE-style question on human and physical factors that affect population distribution. In a nutshell lesson includes: Two starters on population and cities. Map task on the major cities of the UK Worksheet on the population distribution in the UK Video clips where appropriate GCSE-style question with guidance on how to respond. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at beaches and how their profiles can be altered and sand dune succession and formation… We start with a simple retrieval practice grid which is good for spaced practice. We then discuss why some beaches have different profiles to other beaches and what difference the size of sediment makes. We then look at the different types of waves and how they affect beach profiles. The pupils will make annotated diagrams of winter and summer beaches. We move onto sand dune systems. The pupils have an outline profile of sand dune succession. We use info slides which can either be teacher led, or use as a round the room activity, group activity etc, the pupils add the appropriate info onto the diagram from the slides. We then look at what conditions are needed for the dune system to form. The pupils have a hexagon task. I usually get the pupils to think about each factor first, the next slide has the answers but they still need to match them up We finish with a GCSE-style question on the formation of sand dunes with some guidance on how to answer. In a nutshell lesson includes: Retrieval practice starter Beach profile diagram activity Sand dune succession annotated round the room/group diagram task. Formation of sand dunes hexagon task. 4 mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

Key Stage 3 lesson on whether King John deserves the prenom “Bad” King John. The lesson is at least an hour long but can be easily extended into two lessons. We start by looking at an interpretation of John in the Disney movie, the pupils then use a speaking frame to explain what they can glean from the clip. We then move onto a categorising task. The pupils are presented with factual information about John, they have to categories into evidence a him being a good or bad king, they then further categorise into warfare, taxation, religion and role of the individual. The pupils then complete a school report for King John based on the information. We then finish with a question where pupils have to explain to what extent they agree with a statement. Included is: Disney interpretation speaking frame starter Differentiated categorisation task School report task Extended writing task Kingometer plenary. Hope this helps and saves planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1A: In this fifth lesson in the section we look at how we can manage the impacts of climate change. the starter is designed to test the pupils understanding of the significance of the USA’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement by asking them to make connections between the pictures. It can open up discussion too, We then look at 4 methods for reducing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. Alternative energy sources, carbon capture, planting trees, international agreements. The pupils will have a worksheet with several tasks to complete such as describing the method, explaining how it reduces CO2 concentrations, rating the method for sustainability and explaining their rating. We finish the lesson with a GCSE-style question on international agreements with some guidance on how to answer if they need it. In a nutshell lesson includes: Discussion starter on the Paris Climate agreement Worksheet task on the four methods of mitigation Information cards Video clips where appropriate 6 mark GCSE-style question with content guidance Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 2A: In this lesson we look at air quality and waste management issues in London. There is a photo interpretation starter around landfill in London, e usually discuss how landfill and disposal is not a sustainable method of waste disposal. We then look at air quality in London, we consider the causes of poor air quality in the city and the pupils explain the causes using the hexagons. We then consider which is the most likely cause of air pollution in London. We then use nitrogen dioxide as a proxy for air pollution and the pupils create a map to show where the concentrations are high. We discuss why this might be. We briefly look at London’s cycle super highways as a potential solution to air pollution. Moving on to waste management the pupils create a pie chart to show how London disposes of its waste, we use the pie chart and look at the city of London’s hierarchy for dealing with waste and consider how successful they have been at meeting their targets. Once we have completed the diagram we tackle a 6-mark question on waste disposal. There is guidance should the pupils need it. In a nutshell lesson includes: Photo Interpretation Starter Causes of air pollution hexagon task. Mapping activity using nitrogen dioxide as a proxy for air pollution Video clips where appropriate Pie chart activity GCSE-style question with guidance or live writing exercise. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for Unit 2C: Water Management section. This lesson requires the AQA GCSE Oxford textbook In this lesson the pupils look at the Lesotho Highland Water Project. The pupil’s using the textbook complete a number of tasks to become familiar with the example such as constructing a climate graph, describing places, finding the meaning of facts and figures, creating a map, defining key words, categorising impacts. The sheets need printing out on A3 paper ideally. We then tackle a question on large-scale water transfer schemes. The pupils have guidance should they need it on how to answer the question and can use their sheet to help them. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 2A: In this lesson we look at the social challenges in Lagos of education. healthcare, water supply and energy. We start with a retrieval practice stater, which you can edit for suitable questions to match your recent teaching. We then look at the the social challenges that Lagos faces due to rapid urban population growth. The pupils will work on an A3 worksheet to consider 4 types of social challenges , that of education. health care, water supply and energy. Each challenge has its own introduction and has video clips and resources to support the pupils learning. Each section has different activities. We finish with a GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it In a nutshell lesson includes: Retrieval practice starter Video clips A3 worksheet with a variety of tasks. GCSE-style question with guidance on how to respond. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer

AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at types of hard engineering and where they are best applied. The starter is a quiz where the pupils need to select the squares that have a depositional landform. There are sound effects too so it’s all very exciting. We begin by looking at why certain areas of the coast need protecting and what factors go into consideration when planners are deciding whether or not to protect the coastline. The pupils are then given some information cards and a worksheet to fill in on the different types of hard engineering, they also have a visual scale to shade in for each one according to it’s effectiveness and durability, cost and sustainability. This can be done in a number of ways (group work, round the room, carousel etc). We then seek to apply this knowledge though the pupils completing a decision making exercise. This is based on a fictional town (Sandytown). The town has been divided into zones, the pupils read the information on each zone and decide what type fo hard engineering that zone needs and justify this. We finish with a 6 mark question on hard engineering with some guidance on how they can answer this. In a nutshell lesson includes: Interactive starter quiz on depositional landforms. Video clip. Hard engineering worksheet with visual scale. Decision making exercise activity. 6-mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it. Hope this saves you some valuable planning time. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer