gcseprojects 5thForm

Data Presentation (Accuracy, Range, Complexity)

Level 1	1-2 marks	The candidate uses a limited range of basic techniques, some of which are ICT based, to present the information and express simple ideas with some degree of accuracy.
Level 2	3-4 marks	The candidate uses accurately a range of techniques, some of which are ICT based, to present and develop the information, and express ideas with considerable accuracy in the use of English.
Level 3	5-6 marks	The candidate uses accurately a range of more complex techniques, some of which are ICT based, to present and develop the information appropriate to their investigation; and express ideas in a clear, fluent and logical form using precise and accurate English.

Data Interpretation (Description, Analysis, Conclusions)

Level 1	1-2 marks	The candidate gives a brief description of the results and / or suggests basic reasons for the results.
Level 2	3-4 marks	The candidate makes valid ststements about the results. Attempts are made to analyse the results. Conclusions are drawn that relate to the original purpose of the enquiry.
Level 3	5-6 marks	The candidate demonstrates links through a detailed analysis of the material. In referring specifically to the data valid conclusions are drawn that relate to the original purpose of the enquiry.

Evaluation (Limitations of methods, Evaluation of results, Limitations of conclusions)

Level 1	1-2 marks	The candidate briefly describes how the enquiry process can be improved by questioning the reliability of the methods used to collect the data.
Level 2	3-4 marks	The candidate describes how the enquiry process can be improved by questioning the reliability of the methods used to collect the data and / or the accuracy of the results.
Level 3	5-6 marks	The candidate describes how the enquiry process can be improved by questioning the reliability of the methods used to collect the data have affected the accuracy of the results and the validity of conclusions.

You will be assessed on the overall presentation of your project and will be required to use at least 2 forms of ICT (e.g. word-processing and location map from the internet)

A wordprocessor will help you with spelling, layout and page numbering. A spreadsheet will produce accurate graphs. Use ICT but remember that there are several presentation techniques (base maps, sketches, cross-sections, flow diagrams etc.) that are much better shown drawn by hand. You should use the most appropriate technique.

Deciding on what to study for your project can be quite tricky. Successful projects normally follow one of three types:

You should plan to carry this out in the summer holidays of the Upper Remove. It is therefore essential that you know exactly what to do before the end of the summer term. Careful planning now will save you from serious problems in the Fifth form!
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Project Structure: How to write a GCSE project (a Fifth Form Guide)
(2,500 words approx.)

STAGE 1

Introduction (2-3 sides of writing plus maps, diagrams etc.)
1. Aim – i.e. simple statement or question of the investigation.
2. Hypothesis - i.e. a statement made that you wish to test (prove or disprove). Each statement should be explained and justified with reference to theory.
3. Location of study (map showing location in the West Midlands & Local area). Brief description of area – refer to your map. Brief (but relevant!) details to provide the reader with background information. Reasons for choice of topic.
4. Define key geographical terms that may be relevant (e.g. those used in the title or hypothesis).
5. Describe the and geographical theory relevant to your study (e.g. refer to the Burgess model, Bid Rent Theory, Hierarchies of settlements etc.) These ideas (and any key geographical terms) should be used throughout your study!

Methodology (2-3 sides of writing plus diagrams, photos, etc.)
6. Draw a table or make a list of your techniques giving summary details of each method, sample size, sampling technique, collection date & time, weather, grid references, etc. You should use about 6 different data collection methods.
7. Make it clear how each method helped your project (i.e. refer to your aim & hypotheses).
8. What sampling methods have you used? Why have you chosen these methods? Justify their geographical relevance.
9. Describe in detail the different techniques used to obtain your information (e.g. choice of primary & secondary data; justification of questions on a survey). Refer to a sample/blank questionnaire, data booking form, photos of fieldwork techniques. This should be a step by step account of what you actually did.

STAGE 2: Data Presentation (often several pages)
10. Display your results using a variety of different and meaningful ways, e.g. tables, maps, flow diagrams, field sketches, annotated photographs, graphs (bar, pie, line, pictograms, area, etc.), proportional arrows or circles, summary of questionnaire, cross-sections etc.
11. Be accurate. Check all your maps and graphs are relevant and drawn to an appropriate scale (can it be drawn on a base map?)
12. Make sure you use a few more complex methods (e.g. overlays, scatter graphs, land use grids on a base map, proportional symbols, flow lines, cross sections etc.) Click here for examples of complex data presentation techniques.
13. The quality of your English and use of appropriate geographical terms will be assessed and awarded marks in this section of the marks scheme. You must ensure that at least 2 methods of ICT have been used (e.g. word-processing & digital photo).
14. Consider using a statistical test (averages, Spearman Rank, clustering etc.)
15. Some people like to merge the data presentation and data interpretation sections together. You might like to do this, but keeping the two sections separate works well too.

STAGE 3: Data Interpretation & Conclusions (2-3 sides of writing)
16. Describe what your results show using each hypothesis as a sub-heading to structure your answer. Evidence from your results section must be quoted (% figures work well) and direct reference to specific maps, photographs and graphs should take place.
17. What do your results suggest? Explain your results using the concepts / theory outlined in the introduction section. Use key geographical terminology.
18. Draw your findings together (make links between ideas) to make a firm conclusion based on the evidence from your study making clear reference to the purpose (aim) of your study.

STAGE 4: Evaluation (2-3 sides of writing)
19. Methods: Review each method in your project and identify any problems you experienced (level 1).
20. Results: Include a comment on good/useful and poor/unhelpful parts of the study including the maps and graphs used. Say how the problems with your methods may have affected your results. How accurate and reliable are your findings? (level 2).
21. Conclusions: Give details of how good the explanations you gave are, and why your final conclusions might not be very accurate. How confident are you that your conclusions are valid? (level 3).
22. Improvements: What changes would you make if you were to do the same or similar project again? Include a revised questionnaire or sampling outline.

STAGE 5: The Finishing Touches
23. Add a contents page, number all pages, write a bibliography listing all the books, articles, CD-Roms etc. you have used, and check your work very carefully! Do not submit your work in a ring binder or a plastic wallet file.

SCC 04/2004

Level 1	1-2 marks	The candidate identifies a question or issue and lists the methods used in obtaining the information. Selection, observation, collection and recording uses a limited range of basic techniques.
Level 2	3-4 marks	The candidate identifies a question or issue, the sequence of investigation and describes the methods used in obtaining the information. Selection, observation, collection and recording uses a range of appropriate techniques. The work is organised and planned and shows some evidence of the development of tasks.
Level 3	5-6 marks	The candidate identifies a question or issue, explains why that particular question or issue was chosen. The candidates describes the sequence of investigation, the methods used in obtaining the information and explains why the methods selected are relevant to their investigation. Selection, observation, collection and recording uses a comprehensive range of appropriate techniques. The work is well organised, planned and shows some evidence of originality and initiative by the candidate.