GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
GEO4B 1st February 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast
To what extent has urban regeneration tackled multiple
deprivation and poverty in Belfast?
Evidence of success?
Quantitative data to
support conclusions?
Qualitative judgements
to support conclusions?
What complex factors/issues are restricting
successful outcomes in Belfast?
Can these factors/issue be overcome?
What further improvements could be made
to solve issues related to deprivation and
poverty?
1
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Advice from the Chief Examiner
The GEO4B will test knowledge and understanding of human and physical geography and many of their different
aspects; it will consider the synoptic links between the different topics; it will test application of fieldwork skills and
the candidates’ research abilities; and they will expect all the candidates’ understanding to be applied to real places.
The GEO4B makes special demands on your geographical knowledge, understanding and skills. This A to Z is designed
to help you:



Use the Advance Information Booklet (AIB) effectively
Understand the nature of the assessment
Produce good answers in the Exam
Analysis of data
Analysis means to identify values, relationships and patterns in the data and identify links between sets of data. You
have to show that you can use statistical techniques to show the significance of observed relationships.
Before you answer question 1, maximise your potential mark by:
•
Read all the questions first to allow you to prioritise.
•
Plan your timing so that you attempt every question,
Search for cause
The AIB will provide information that may show geographical facts and, separately, what has caused them but not
how or why they are linked. This allows the examiner to ask you to identify and discuss the causes. Predicting these
questions is an important part of exam preparation.
Using data
Your answers will require response to data from the AIB and possibly from additional resources in the exam paper.
Good students also use data to support their argument and justify decisions in answers.
Evaluation techniques
Evaluation assesses the worth or strength of information and can be applied to your own answers and to the other
information in the AIB. It is an advanced skill, well worth practising.
Fieldwork
Your ability to plan hypothetical fieldwork that would extend a study could be assessed in the exam. Review fieldwork
methods in your preparation.
Geographical focus in answers
Geography studies spatial characteristics of places. In your answers, refer to places, using examples to support your
statements.
2
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Holistic assessment objective
Unit 4B has a synoptic or holistic focus. That means examiners will expect you to use ideas, concepts and skills
learned from the whole of your two-year course. Be prepared by at least looking through the relevant sections of
your Yr 12 notes during your revision programme.
Issue identification
Check the AIB carefully and list all the issues you recognise. To help organise them, you could classify them into social,
economic, demographic and environmental.
Justification in your exam answers
Sometimes known as evidential style, justification simply means providing factual evidence or examples for the
statements you make. (Many scripts use minimal justification, to their cost.)
Key words in exam questions
The most common key command words are: describe, explain, outline, compare, contrast, evaluate, justify, discuss,
suggest. Practise using them when revising. Start your exam by underlining them, and stick to them throughout your
answers.
Looking for links
Producing a linkage diagram or ‘mind map’ of the information in the AIB is a good way to familiarise yourself with the
resources and where you will need to research missing links.
Map Skills
As a good geographer you must be able to:
•
draw maps that are fit for purpose
•
use maps accurately to gather information
•
evaluate the limitations of maps.
(In the exam this could include Ordnance Survey maps.)
New information
The AIB is provided before the exam, so you have time to extend your knowledge of relevant current issues. Listen to
the news and search the internet and be willing to introduce new information into your answers.
Options
Issues questions may require you to consider management options and justification your chosen option. A simple
option classification could be:
•
do nothing (let nature take its course)
•
protect the existing situation
•
sacrifice aspects of the existing situation to create a new, more stable situation
•
create a new situation that resolves key issues.
3
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Data Presentation Skills
Know the different qualities of the range of numerical, graphical and mapped data presentation methods. Be able to
recommend an appropriate one in an exam answer.
Questionnaire
If you decide to recommend a questionnaire in extension fieldwork you must go into more detail about the ‘who,
what, when, where and how’ of the sample you would intend to use.
Reliability of data
You may be expected to consider the potential reliability of data provided. Consider the interests of the organisation
who produced it, the size of their sample in the survey, the date of the data and, possibly, the freedom of information
in that location.
Sustainability Management
UK Government policy promotes sustainability options in issue management, and exam questions may expect you to
consider and evaluate these.
Geographical Terminology
Examiners identify and reward the use of correct, appropriate and extensive use of geographical terms in exam
answers. Get used to using them in your exam preparation.
Showing your understanding
You will see ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’ separated in mark schemes. You show your critical understanding when
you apply your knowledge to new situations. Many students miss out on easy marks by not focusing on showing
understanding in their answers.
Viewpoints
Issues always involve opposing groups with different viewpoints, objectives and measures of success. You may be
expected to recognise and balance opposing viewpoints in an unbiased way and justify your own viewpoint.
Winners and losers
All ‘real-world’ issue management has winners and losers. As you investigate the issues in the AIB, build up your
awareness of winners and losers, with a knowledge of the clear reasons for these outcomes.
Adding the X-Factor to your answers
What makes your exam script stand out from the rest?
•
using facts from real, named examples
•
using maps and diagrams – with relevant annotation
•
focusing exactly on the question throughout your answer
•
providing that element of flair, or insight, and giving something which others may not give
4
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Year
Examiners get used to seeing old case studies year after year. Research this year’s current events to add to your
answer and stand out from the crowd.
Being Zonal in your answers
Geography is about location, areas, regions, and zones. Be aware of and use zonal character (key distinguishing
features and characteristics) in your analysis of located issues.
GEO4B – Advice and Hints from the Examiner
Information taken from: AQA (2008) GCE Geography Focus on A2, Presentation Notes (pg 20 -22)
What sort of preparation should be done?
 Read and re-read the booklet to become absolutely familiar with the content and layout – know what is there and
where it is. Perhaps even produce a short summary of each page.
 Look up the meaning of any unfamiliar words and phrases.
 Use an atlas/other sources to ensure a working knowledge of the geographical area under consideration.
 List the concepts, theories, processes etc which are referred to in the AIB – do you understand them all?
Data Manipulation
 You should also think about ways of manipulating data; looking at proportions, percentage changes etc (has
anything doubled, tripled/halved?)
 However, you must be aware of ‘data waffle’ describing masses of data rather than utilising it.
 The key as always is to look for trends, choose selective data to illustrate the point (but not too many pieces of
data) and identify any anomalies that may be apparent.
Use of OS Maps
 Ensure you have sharpened up your map skills – it is always surprising how many have forgotten how to give a
simple four figure grid reference.
 You should be encouraged to be specific in your use of maps and should be able to give both 4 and 6 grid figure
grid references, measure distances accurately, estimate areas, use direction and refer to relevant place names and
human/physical features. (But again, beware of doing too much …)
 Should you try to second – guess the questions?
 You will always try to do this, but there is an obvious pitfall. You may then find it difficult to answer a ‘different’
set of questions in the examination.
 However, it can be helpful to consider some of the questions/issue that might arise.
5
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Use of the Internet
 This can be very useful from the point of view of researching relevant material and getting a ‘feel’ for the topic and
location.
 In some cases, the AIB itself acknowledges various internet sites and these are well worth looking into. You may
even be directed to certain websites.
 However, you should be careful that you are not drawn into extensive research of complex sites which may have
marginal relevance or may provide biased points of views.
The Best Answers …







Demonstrate an intimate knowledge of the AIB
Make reference to different items within the AIB and bring them together in an interesting and relevant manner.
Show good insight into any data provided and utilise it well.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of previous study.
Look at the issue in terms of time scales – short Vs long term.
Connections within and between scales
Balance different points of views.
The Poorest Answers …
 Are often brief and unstructured
 Contain large amounts of material/data that is simply copied from the AIB or perhaps has only minor changes to
the original wording.
 Demonstrate little familiarity with the AIB and little evidence of geographical thinking.
 Miss the sense of place.
Coming to a decision in an issue evaluation exercise
 In the context of an issue evaluation exercise, you may or may not have to come to a decision, but you will
certainly have to undertake some evaluation.
 Remember that there is not usually a ‘right answer’ – it is how well you can support your arguments that is the key
factor.
 Note if you are asked to make a choice, it is important that you explain why have rejected other options rather
than concentrating solely on the merits of your chosen option.
6
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban RegenerationUnit
in Belfast:
Student Activity
(SG Nov 2010)
4 – Geographical
IssueBook
Evaluation
20% of A Level
1 hour and 30 minutes written examination
60 Marks
GEO4B – Structured short and extended questions based on Advance Information Booklet (AIB), released on 1 November
for January.
GEO4B Geographical Issue Evaluation
The Process of Issue Evaluation
To enable candidates to address issue evaluation they must:















Interpret a range of data and resources provided for them in an AIB
Use techniques to present and analyse data from the AIB
Consider how additional information could be collected using fieldwork, internet research and other methods
Relate the data to the body of geographical knowledge and understanding developed through their AS and A2 studies.
Where necessary, carry out further research into the issue or the area referred to in the AIB
Be able to recognise and define an issue
Consider evidence from different points of view
Recognise shortcomings of the data and consider other possible sources through which those shortcomings could be
remedied
Establish criteria for evaluation of the issue or for decision making
Evaluate a range of options concerning the management of an issue or of a decision
Identify and analyse potential areas of conflict
Consider ways of resolving or reducing conflict
Recommend a way of managing the issue or making a decision – and justify their recommendation
Suggest the possible impact of action that could result from their recommendation.
Review the process of issue evaluation.
The Economic and Politics of the Process
The issue analysis could include the role of economic
and political factors in determining outcomes. For
example, the role that economic factors could play in
the management of physical landforms overwhelmed by
tourism; the role of political factors in the selection of
sites for out of town shopping areas or the role of
environmental organisations in the development of
energy schemes.
The Environmental Context


The impact of the issues on the environment
Conservation and exploitation; sustainability and
growth
Assessment
Assessment will be achieved by means of an issue
evaluation exercise located in a particular place or
environment which candidates can study, with the AIB
available from 1 Nov or 1 April, preceding the
examination. It is envisaged that, over time, a variety of
scales will be used from local to regional, to national, to
international. The context will also be varied from the
UK to other countries thus representing countries in
various stages of development. Where the context is
drawn from those areas of the AS or A2 specification
which are optional, material will be provided in the AIB
7
in such a way as to enable all candidates to be assessed
to A Level standard.
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast
To what extent has urban regeneration tackled multiple deprivation and poverty in Belfast?
TASK 1 Identifying possible themes and Issues
(all info in AIB is provided for a reason i.e. contextual info or basis for questions in the exam)
Item 1 Historical background to Belfast
Item 2 The Laganside Corporation and the regeneration of Belfast
Item 3 Department for Social Development (DfSD) Urban Regeneration Schemes
Item 4 Area Profile of Inner Belfast Neighbourhood Renewal Area (NRA)
Item 5 Deprivation measures for Duncairn Ward
Item 6 North Belfast Partnership (funded by Department for Social Development for Neighbourhood Renewal)
Item 7 Ideas for further research
8
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 2 Developing a sense of place/empathy
Read the following extract from Europe on a Shoestring (2007) pg 616 - 617
Belfast (pop 274,678)
It is a new era in Belfast. Optimism floats through this marvellous Victorian city like a virus you can’t help but catch;
the peace process has borne fruit and the war is officially over.
Each time you hit the university pubs on Botanic Avenue, the posh shops along Donegall Square or the fine
restaurants on Great Victoria Street, you feel exuberance of a city on the rise, literally. Just look east towards the
river and you can see all the new structures, built or being built, that suggest a cultural reawakening if a cut long in
slumber.
That said, Belfast’s harsh past isn’t one that can be forgotten; reminders like the ‘Peace Wall’ that divides the city, are
everywhere. But maybe it’s these reminders of that past that will keep the people of the present pushing towards a
very bright future.
Orientation
The city centre is compact, with imposing City Hall in Donegall Square as the central landmark; Belfast’s principal
shopping district is north of the square. North of that, around Donegall Street and St Anne’s Cathedral, is the
bothemian Cathedral Quarter.
South of the square lies the Golden Mile, a restaurant and pub filled stretch of Dublin Road, Shaftesbury Square,
Bradbury Place and Botanic Avenue. To the east, most of Belfast’s smart new hotel, leisure and arts developments
line the banks of the Lagan. East of the river rise the huge yellow cranes of the Harland & Wolf shipyards.
Re-read the extract and record your thoughts of what you think Belfast looks like
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
9
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Read the following extract taken from www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/northernireland/belfast
The countdown to 2012 has begun. No, not the London Olympics; 2012 is also the 100 th anniversary of the maiden
voyage of the RMS Titanic, the iconic ocean liner that was built by Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards. And it is
that year that Belfast has chosen to showcase the city’s heritage to the world.
It may seem strange for a city to identify with a ship that is famous for sinking on its maiden voyage, but Belfast built
what was the most advanced piece of technology in the world at that time and takes pride in the innovation, skill,
engineering genius that went into making the Titanic. And as the locals constantly remind you, ‘She was fine when
she left here’.
Once lumped with Beirut, Baghdad and Bosnia as one of the four ‘B’s’ for travellers to avoid, Belfast has pulled off a
remarkable transformation from bombs and bullets pariah to hip hotels and hedonsism party town. The city’s skyline
is in a constant state of flux as redevelopment continues apace. The old shipyards are giving way to the luxury
waterfront apartments of the Titanic Quarter and Victoria Square, Europe’s biggest urban regeneration project, has
added a massive city centre shopping mall to a list of tourist attractions that includes Victoria architecture, a glittering
waterfront line with modern art, foot stomping music in packed out pubs and the UK’s second biggest arts festival.
So as 2012 approaches it seems somehow fitting that Belfast should celebrate the Titanic’s creation, building new
pride and optimism out of the wreckage of past disaster. Get here early and enjoy it before the rest of the world
arrives. (last updated Jun 2 2010)
Record issues which are highlighted in the extracts or you can infer from the ‘well selected’ wording:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
10
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 3 Developing sense of place/empathy
Image No
Description of Image (overview, foreground and background)
Interesting statements/questions
11
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 4 Interpret a range of data and resources provided for them in an AIB
Read the AIB and record 5 key facts for each Item of Information
Item
Key Fact
1
2
3
4
5
6
12
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 5 Relate to knowledge and understanding developed through AS and A2 studies
Term
Definition
Link to other terms/theory
13
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 6 Relate the data to the body of geographical knowledge and understanding (AS and A2)
Understanding complex history and why segregation persists. Record notes from Mr Warsap’s lesson.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
14
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Belfast History
Information taken from www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/northern-ireland/belfast/history
Belfast is relatively young city, with few reminders of its pre-19th century history. The city takes its name from the
Fiver Farset (from the Gaelic feirste, meaning sandbank, or sandy ford) which flows into the River Lagan at Donegall
Quay (it is now channelled through a culvert). The old Gaelic name, Beál Feirsete, means ‘Mouth of the Farset’.
In 1977 the Norman Iord of John de Courcy built a castle here, and a small settlement grew up around it. Both were
destroyed 20 years later, and the town did not begin to develop in earnest until 1611 when Baron Arthur Chichester
built a castle and promoted the growth of the settlement.
The early 17th century Plantation of Ulster brought in the first waves of Scottish and English settlers, followed in the
late 17th century by an influx of Huguenots (French Protestants) fleeing persecution in France, who laid the
foundations of a thriving line industry. More Scottish and English settlers arrived, and other industries such as rope
making, tobacco, engineering and shipbuilding developed.
With textile mills and shipyards, Belfast was the one city in Ireland that felt the full force of the Industrial Revolution.
Sturdy rows of brick terrace houses were built for factory and ship yard workers and a town of around 20,000 people
in 1800 grew steadily into a city of 400,000 by the start of WW1, by which time Belfast had nearly overtaken Dublin in
size.
The partition of Ireland in 1920 gave Belfast a new role as the capital of Northern Ireland. It also marked the end of
the city’s industrial growth, although decline didn’t really set in until after WWII. With the outbreak of the Troubles
in 1969, the city saw more than its fair share of violence and bloodshed, and shocking news images of terrorist
bombings, sectarian murders and security forces’ brutally made Belfast a household name around the world.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which laid the groundwork for power sharing among the various political factions
in a devolved Northern Ireland Assembly, raised hopes for the future and since then Belfast has seen a huge influx of
investment especially from the EU. Massive swathes of the city centre have been (or are being) redeveloped,
unemployment is low, house prices continue to rise faster than in other UK city, and tourism has taken off.
A historic milestone was p[assed on 8 May 2007 when the Reverend Ian Paisley (firebrand Protestant preacher and
leader of the Democratic Unionist Party) and Martin McGuinness (Sinn Fein MP and former IRA commander) were
sworn in at Stormont as first minister and deputy first minister of new power-sharing government.
There are still plenty of reminders of the Troubles – notably the ‘peace lines’ that still divide communities and the
passions that have torn Northern Ireland apart over the decades still run deep. But despite occasional setbacks there
is an atmosphere of determine optimism that will hopefully propel Belfast towards a peaceful future.
TASK 7 Use techniques to present and analyse data from AIB
Using information from Item 1, above and Mr Warsap’s lesson complete a time line illustrating the growth, decline
and regeneration of Belfast.
15
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Timeline – Growth, Decline and Regeneration of Belfast
16
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Geographical Theory – Urban Decline and Regeneration
Inner Cities – Problems and Solutions
Over 4 million people live in the inner cities of the UK. These are areas typified by economic decline, personal poverty, social problems and
environmental decay.
Economic decline
Since the 1950s, the decline in manufacturing employment has been accompanied by a growth in service industries. This growth, however, did
not compensate for the massive job losses in manufacturing. In addition service industries did not require the same skills required by the
manufacturing industry. The employment losses that were caused were skewed towards the inner cities because they contained many of the
types of workplaces most likely to be closed down. These were the older plants with oldest production techniques, lowest productivity and
most highly unionised workforces.
Unemployment thus became a major problem for the inner city area of the former industrial cities such as Liverpool, Sheffield etc. In 1994, the
inner cities of the UK had an unemployment rate 50% higher than the rest of the country.
Population loss and social decline
Between 1951 and 1981, the UK’s largest conurbations lost 35% of their population and migration was the key cause of these changes. In the
1980s a significant proportion of the out-migration form cities involved people moving to rural areas, via counter-urbanisation. The people who
left the inner city areas tended to be the younger, more affluent and the more skilled. This has meant that those left behind are the less-skilled
and the poor. Economic decline of these areas therefore led to social decline. Some argued that this situation created a cycle of deprivation
(i.e. low wages led to unemployment which led to overcrowded housing which led to ill health consequently poor school attendance thus poor
skills which led to low wages and so on). Social culture means that antisocial attitudes are passed on within families.
The poor physical environment
The physical environment of the inner cities is usually poor with low quality housing, empty derelict properties, vacant factories and unsightly
overgrown waste land. Deterioration is emphasised by vandalism, graffiti and fly posting, concrete based landscape. Dereliction is due to
existence of 19th century terraced housing but also 1960 – 70’s slum clearance schemes which resulted in the construction of high rise flats.
Political Problems
There was increasing concern that the problems of the inner city residents have been marginalised politically. Inner cities have the lowest
turnout rates in elections in the UK, reflecting the degree to which the people feel rejected. Tension heightened by the limited impacts of
urban regeneration policies which have led to a large amount of physical redevelopment whilst the long standing levels of social and economic
deprivation remain largely unchanged.
Text taken from: Redfern (2001) Human Geography, Change in the United Kingdom in the last 30 years pg 55 – 58
Cycle of Poverty
Poverty: Low wages or
unemployment
Poor Skills
Poor Education
Poor Living Conditions
Ill Health
17
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Urban Regeneration Policies
Regeneration is the investment of capital and ideas into an area to revitalise and renew its economic, social and/environmental condition. In
recent years, the most common type of area in Britain to be regenerated has been the inner city, in order to combat some of the problems
highlighted above. Regeneration schemes taken place are:




the urban programmes of the labour governments of the 1960s and 1970s
the City Action Teams, Urban Development Corporations, Enterprise Zones and the Task Forces of the Conservative governments in
the 1980s and 1990s.
the English Partnerships in the late 1990s.
the urban programmes of the labour government 1997 +
Key elements of these schemes were slum clearance and housing renewal, new industrial growth and development, improvements to transport
systems and environmental improvements. Similarly, a central theme for many of the later schemes was to encourage private sector
investment, instead of that form local councils or central government sources.
TASK 8 Relate the data to geographical knowledge and understanding developed through AS and A2 studies
Re-draw the cycle of poverty below and link directly to Belfast i.e. annotate the cycle with evidence taken from the
AIB or detail provided in this booklet.
18
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 9 Use techniques to present and analyse data from the AIB
Study Item 4: Area Profile of Inner North Belfast Neighbourhood Renewal Area (NRA)
Suggest how this data could be presented and state strengths and weaknesses with the methods identified.
Description of Data
Description of Data
Presentation Method
Strengths
Weaknesses
Age structure
EXAM TECHNIQUE
3(a) Suggest how you would present the data on ‘the numbers in each half-hour period passing in each direction’
collected in the manual count. (4 Marks)
Mark Scheme: Point mark, for each relevant, correct suggestion. Award a second mark for justification of each point.
Candidate A
The initial data is done as tally chart, due it its efficiency and simplicity. It records the numbers in each half hour
period passing in each direction, their mode of travel, gender and age and is conducted for 10 hours through the day.
The data could be presented as a compound bar chart showing gender and what modes of transport are used so a
comparison could be drawn.
Candidate B
I would use a divided bar chart, with time of day along the x axis and number of people along the y axis. However
within the bar for each half hour period, I would divide between the different modes of transport e.g. I would use a
key to show what each colour in the bar represented. I would use separate bars for males and females, clearly
labelled.
19
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 10 Interpret a range of data and resources provided in the AIB
Study Item 4 – Area Profile of Inner North Belfast Neighbourhood Renewal Area
‘The population of Inner North Belfast NRA on Census day (29th April 2001) was 12 116 people. There were 5528
households’
Why have the examiners provided the above information? What do they want you to do?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Study the census date in Item 4 of the AIB. Comment on the differences between Inner North Belfast and North
Ireland (10 Marks)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
20
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
EXAM TECHNIQUE
Comment on the difference between Scotland and the Highland Region in terms of i) the age structure of the
population.
Mark Scheme
LEVEL 1 (1 – 3 Marks)
Relevant data is lifted from the AIB but any comments on that data are basic and do not show any clarity or
understanding. Data are not manipulated or linked. Only award marks for differences stated or implied.
LEVEL 2 (4 – 5 Marks)
Relevant data are selected and used to make clear geographical points. Only award Level 2 marks for clearly stated
differences. In particular, expect to see: manipulation of data and linking and comparing of data from different parts
of the table.
Candidate A
The Highlands has just less than half the population of Scotland and a smaller proportion of people of working age and thus a
lower number of children and pensioners (dependents) than the rest of Scotland. The mean age of the Highland area is 40.02
which is 1.05 years higher than that of the rest of Scotland. The median age for both the Highlands and Scotland is also in the
identical age range of 30 -44. The Highland appears to have an ageing population structure which begs the question as to
whether there will be enough independents to support dependents in the future. Scotland contains CBDs and business districts
which is probably the reasons for there being a greater proportion of inhabitants of working age. Young people going off to
university and to gain world experience from the Highlands could also be a factor. Many people also move here to retire.
Candidate B
It is evident from the census data that although the age structure of the Highlands and Scotland is similar, at the age 18 – 24
there is a dip in the population numbers in the Highlands for example in Scotland 2.48% of the population are aged 18 – 19
whereas in the Highlands only 1.85% of the population are – this could be due to the fact that this is the age for teenagers to go
to university or to seek full time employment and the Highland region may offer little opportunities for this. However as the
population reach 45 and above they are more likely to live in the Highlands – for example only 19.39% of people living in Scotland
are aged 45 – 49 whereas in the Highlands 21.44% of the population are aged 45 – 49. This older age structure is made apparent
in the mean age of the population – the Highlands population on average are 1 year older than the average in Scotland.
(ii) employment structure
Mark Scheme
LEVEL 1 (1 – 3 Marks)
Relevant data is lifted from the AIB but any comments on that data are basic and do not show any clarity of
understanding. Data are not manipulated or linked. Only award marks for differences stated or implied.
LEVEL 2 (4 – 5 Marks)
Relevant data are selected and used to make clear geographical points. Only award Level 2 marks for clearly stated
differences. In particular, expect to see manipulation of data and linking and comparing of data from different parts
of the table.
21
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Candidate A
It is interesting to note that the Highlands appear to have more people working the in the primary sectors of
agriculture, hunting and forestry, fishing and mining and quarrying at 6.53% compared to 3.68% in the rest of
Scotland. The ecotourism and geotourism niche markets also mean that the Highlands have a greater proportion of
people employed in the tourist sector which is reflected in the 3.59% difference in the hotel and catering sector. It
seems in the Highland that females take up the majority of roles in the social sector highlighted in the 17.88%
difference between males and females in the health and social work sector. Scotland containing many cities and
business districts has a higher proportion of people in real estate, renting and business activities 11.7% compared to
9.87% in the Highlands.
TASK 11 Be able to recognise and define an issue and interpret a range of data.
With reference to Item 4 and 5, is there evidence to suggest that Inner North Belfast is experiencing multiple
deprivation and poverty?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
22
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 12 Carry out additional research into the issue
Access census websites:
http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/mapxtreme/pf_report.asp?sLevel=SOA&sID=95GG20S1&sName=Duncairn%201
http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/mapxtreme/pf_report.asp?sLevel=SOA&sID=95GG20S2&sName=Duncairn%20
Duncairn Whole Ward:
http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/mapxtreme/report.asp?INIT=YES&POSTCODE=BT153EJ&DESC=FromGeneral&CurrentL
evel=COA&ID=95GG200012&Name=95GG200012&Override=WARD&OverrideCode=95GG20&OverrideName=DUNCA
IRN
Obtain Key Statistics for Duncairn 1 and Duncairn 2 relating to deprivation and poverty. Remember try to manipulate
the data given i.e. use percentages, ratios or comparisons.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
23
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 13 Use techniques to present and analyse data from the AIB
Using the Ordnance Survey Map extracts and the census data compare Duncairn SOA 1 and SOA 2. (10 Marks)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
24
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
TASK 14 Carry out further research into the issue or the area referred to in the AIB
Using the Best of Belfast and Laganside websites produce an annotated map illustrating the types of development
that have happened and are planned in the Laganside area of Belfast.
http://www.laganside.com
http://www.thebestofbelfast.com/index.html
Notes for taken from websites for annotated map:
25
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 15 Consider evidence from a different point of view and recognise shortcomings of the data
What view or opinion are the Best of Belfast or Laganside websites portraying? (i.e. are they neutral or biased?)
Ensure you fully justify your answer.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Using detail from the AIB, further research or your own geographical understanding, critique the detail given on
the Best of Belfast and Laganside website. i.e. oppose the view, support the view or evaluate the extent the
schemes can be effective in overcoming multiple deprivation.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
26
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
TASK 16 Consider evidence from different points of view and interpret a range of data and resources
The Laganside Corporation was a Public Body formed in 1989, with the goal of regenerating large areas next to the
River Lagan. These areas suffered poor environmental conditions because the decline of ship building industry in the
1970s and 1980s.
Using Item 4 and 5, what evidence is there to suggest that the urban regeneration has been successful in tackling
multiple deprivation and poverty?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
27
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
What are the problems with using census data to examine the effectiveness of the urban regeneration?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
TASK 17 Establish a criteria for evaluation of the issue or for decision making
Using Item 4, 5 and your additional census research, prioritise the main issues which the Duncairn wards are facing.
Annotate how these issues could be tackled using information from the AIB and your geographical understanding.
28
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Lonely Planet Review for Peace Line
Information taken from www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/northern-ireland/belfast/sights/gate/peace-line
There are steel gates that mark the beginning of the so-called Peace Line, the 6m high wall of corrugated steel,
concrete and chain link that has divided the Protestant and Catholic communities of West Belfast for almost 40 years.
Begun in 1970 as a ‘temporary measure’, it has now outlasted the Berlin Wall, and zig-zags for some 4km from the
Westlink to the lower slopes of Black Mountain. These days the gates in the wall remain open during the day, but
most are still closed from 17.00 to 08.00. There are now more than 20 such barriers in Belfast, and a total of more
than 40 throughout Northern Ireland, the most visible sigh of the division that have scarred the province for so long.
TASK
How do the peace lines restrict the effectiveness of the urban regeneration in Belfast?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
29
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 18 Establish criteria for evaluation of the issue and Identify and analyse potential area of conflict
PMI – Urban Regeneration in Belfast has developed communities that are able and committed to improving the
quality of life in the most deprived neighbourhoods
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
PMI – Urban Regeneration in Belfast has developed economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and
connected them to the wider economic community.
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
30
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
PMI – Urban Regeneration in Belfast has improved social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived
neighbourhoods through better coordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
PMI – Urban Regeneration in Belfast has helped to create attractive, safe, sustainable environments in the most
deprived neighbourhoods.
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
31
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 19 Consider how additional information could be collected using fieldwork and other methods
ENQUIRY
Investigate environmental quality in Duncairn 2 SOA in Inner
North Belfast
Research Question/Hypothesis
Methodology
Data Presentation
Data Analysis and Conclusion
Evaluation
32
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 20 Consider how additional information could be collected using fieldwork and other methods
You should also consider how you might carry out a piece of fieldwork in an area like Inner North Belfast to evaluate
the quality of the environment for the people who live in that area. You should think about how you might carry out
such a survey in an area about the size of Duncairn 2 SOA.
Extract from Europe on a Shoestring (2007) pg 617
Catholic Falls Rd and Protestant Shankill Road have been battlefronts since the 1970s. Even so, they are quite safe
and worth venturing into, if only to see the impressively large murals expressing political and religious passions.
The best way to visit the sectarian zones of the Falls and Shankill Road, is by what is known locally as the ‘people’s
taxi’. These black former London cabs run a buslike service up and down their respective roads from terminuses in
the city.
33
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
EXAM TECHNIQUE
A group of students is on a geography field trip to the part of Scotland on the Ordnance Survey map extract. Suggest
how they might investigate one of the following:



either the changing characteristics of the River Kirkaig and its valley between 120177 and 078194
or the characteristics of raised beaches around Lock Kirkaig, grid square 0719
or the evidence of glacial movement in the area around Fionn Loch (10)
Mark Scheme
LEVEL 1 (1-4 marks)
A basic answer in which relevant points are made but these are isolated and not developed to provide clear guidance
as to the aims and methods of the fieldwork. Too much time might be spent on minor points without developing the
main understanding of the work.
LEVEL 2 (5-8 marks)
A clear answer in which the candidate gives a good idea of the type of fieldwork that is to be carried out. It is practical
and sensible and would be likely to produce useful and manageable results. Most of the stages of fieldwork are
covered in a simple way or at least one important stage is covered in detail, or the plan for fieldwork is well adapted
to the nature of the area. May also consider both river and valley.
The quality of written communication is suitable to convey the ideas clearly.
LEVEL 3 (9-10 marks)
A detailed answer with a full understanding of the techniques considered and with these techniques applied with
good geographical understanding of the area. Most of the stages of fieldwork are covered well or at least one
important stage is covered in full detail with clear references to the area.
Candidate A
To investigate the changing characteristics of the river Kirkaig and its valley between 120177 and 078194 an aim and
hypothesis must be made. The aim can be ‘to investigate the changing characteristics of the river Kirkaig and its valley
between 120177 and 078194’. The hypothesis could be ‘As you travel downstream the depth of the river Kirkaig
increases.’ Before fieldwork can be carried out at least three different sites must be chosen. I would recommend
112179 for the upper course part of the river because a waterfall is close by which is a typical characteristic of the
upper course, the land is very high up around this area (maximum height is 167m) and there is a footpath nearby so
access to this area could be very simple. The second spot would be 096185 for the middle course because meandering
has started to take place (a characteristic of the middle course), the height of the land has gone down significantly
(maximum height is 108m) and once again there is a footpath nearby so access to the area could be simple. The last
point should be 086193 for the lower course because the valley has become wider. You can see this from the contour
lines being more spaced apart, the height of the land has gone down again to 64m and this time there is a road
nearby with a car park located 085193 so this should be the easiest site to access. For the group to investigate if the
depth increases as you move downstream they should rent a boat and travel to the middle of the river at each of the
three points. Now, we do not know how deep the river is so using a metre stick or pole maybe inaccurate. Instead I
recommend using a 5-10kg weight on the end of a strong rope or wire. The weight should be gradually lowered into
the water until the group feels that the weight has hit the bottom. The length of the wire should be measured and
recorded at each of these points. To present the data I would recommend a scatter graph as you can clearly see if the
depth of the river does increase or decrease.
34
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Candidate C
The aim of the student’s investigation is to investigate the changing characteristics of the river Kirkaig and its valley
between 120177 and 078194. They would investigate this with coming up with a null and alternative hypotheses for
example, the wetted perimeter of the river Kirkaig increases with distance downstream and the null hypothesis is, the
wetted perimeter does not change with distance downstream. First of all to assess if the area is suitable for field work
the students must risk assess the course of the river for example make sure the area is relatively easy to access and
that the risk of falling in and drowning are not too high. They must also ensure they have suitable safety equipment to
carry out the investigation for example a first aid kit. The river Kirkaig is followed by a path that can be used to access
however the valley sides are quite steep in some upper parts of the river near to the Falls of Kirkaig. So, these may
present a risk to the students of falling. Weather conditions must also be considered when carrying out the
investigation as the paths may become slippery and the river very rapid. For the investigation I would use systematic
sampling to select which sites to sample for example a sample at every 100m at 15 sites because this would give me
an indication of the wetted perimeter of the river at different parts of the river. The lower course may be difficult to
sample because of increasing depth and deemed too risky. I would use a weighted chain to measure the wetted
perimeter by placing it along the bottom of the river bed (from water’s edge to water’s edge) avoiding large pieces of
bed rock. I would also avoid sampling less than 3m away from a waterfall because the increased depth of a plunge
pool would not be representative of the river as a whole and decrease the accuracy of my data. The students should
then mark the point at which the water reaches then out of the water measure the wetted section of the chain with a
metre stick when pulled taut. I would repeat this process twice at each site along the transect so I can work out an
average wetted perimeter for all 15 sites. I would then plot this data on a scatter graph with wetted perimeter against
distance downstream and then use Spearman’s Rank test to work out if the correlation is significant.
35
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 21 Consider how additional information could be collected using fieldwork and other methods
A group of students is on a geography fieldtrip to Duncairn 2 SOA shown on Figure P1, in Inner North Belfast.
Suggest how they might investigate/evaluate the quality of the environment for the people who live in that area
(10)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
36
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 22 Consider how additional information could be collected using fieldwork and other methods and recognise
shortcomings
What factors/issues should the students’ take into consideration when planning their fieldwork? (5)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
How could these factors/issues be overcome? (5)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
37
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 23 Evaluate a range of options concerning the management of the issue
Extract taken from page 6 of AIB ‘it is suggested that Laganside’s legacy would be enhanced by further projects that create and improve linkages along and
across the river, and achieve further integration of the waterfront with surrounding areas. Consideration should be given to the following projects …’
Study the outlines of the projects on page 6 and evaluate to what extent they would fulfil the Department for Social Development Urban Renewal
Objectives (stated on page 8). Ensure you justify your points using evidence from the booklet and your geographical understanding.
Project
The Weir
Community Renewal
Economic Renewal
Social Renewal
Physical Renewal
Stranmills Gateway
Harbour Bridge
Albert Prince – Ravenhill Reach
Riverside Pathway
The Gasworks Bridge
Community Projects
38
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK24 Establish a criteria for evaluation of the issue - Urban Regeneration in Inner North Belfast – SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS (INTERNAL)
WEAKNESSES (INTERNAL)
OPPORTUNITES (EXTERNAL)
THREATS (EXTERNAL)
39
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK 25 Recommend a way of managing the issue and justify
Suggest which of the following would be the most suitable strategy to achieve the four interlinking objectives, stated
in Item 3 on page 8 of the AIB, in Inner North Belfast.



Improving Access to Services
Improving Access to Employment
Influence on Neighbourhood Renewal
Justify your suggestion (15 Marks)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
40
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
TASK26 Review the process of evaluation and suggest possible impacts
Evaluate the effectiveness of urban regeneration in Inner North Belfast and suggest how it could be improved in
the future (15 Marks)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
41
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
EXAM TECHNIQUE
The last question in the AIB will require you to evaluate the issue or make a conclusion. It is important that you
answer the questions in sequence as the examiners will ‘scaffold’ you to this final long answer question. Below are
responses which have written to previous GEO4B papers.
With reference to Figure P1, in the Advance Information Booklet, and the Ordnance Survey map extract, discuss
how well the people in different areas of Guildford are provided with routes and open space for active leisure
pursuits such as walking and cycling.
(15 marks)
Mark scheme
Level 1 (1 - 6 marks)
Some basic points are made, but these are not developed.
Some observations from the maps are made but these are not clearly located and may show some
misunderstandings.
Some understanding of urban structure might be shown but this is superficial and lacks clarity.
There is little attempt to discuss ideas.
Level 2 (7 - 12 marks)
The answer is clear with some development of ideas.
Observations from the map are fairly clear and show some precision.
There is some understanding of urban structure and this is applied reasonably well to the situation in Guildford.
Sensible distinctions are made between different parts of the town and the types of housing area that are found in
different parts.
There is some attempt to discuss ideas.
Level 3 (13 - 15 marks)
The answer is developed well.
Observations from the maps are precise and show geographical understanding.
They are well located and provide a clear sense of place.
The answer shows a good understanding of urban structure and this is applied clearly to the Guildford situation, with
clear reference to a variety of different areas of the town. Distinctions are made between different parts of the town,
showing some good geographical understanding. Ideas are discussed well, with understanding.
Candidate B
At first glance provision for leisure pursuits such as walking and cycling appear substantial, for example the traffic free
routes through Stoke Park in 0050 in the area of Stoke. Indeed off road cycling facilities also run parallel to Stoke Park
between the A25 and the traffic free cycle route. A traffic free cycle route also exists along Moorfield Road to the
industrial estate (0052) enabling workers to cycle here to work. However, for leisure purposes there seem few options.
Most of the signposted routes are on main roads, the A3100 and A246 for example which could hardly be described as
a leisurely place to walk or cycle. In addition certain routes that have been recommended by forums and cyclists for
example on Ryde’s Hill (977514) which appears from the map to be safe, we found to be steep with numerous cars
parked on either side making it dangerously narrow for cyclists and also a bus route again increasing danger to
cyclists and not providing open space in the area of Stoughton (which coincidentally is the ward with the highest
population density in Guildford). In areas such as Merrow however there is access to tennis courts, a playing field,
Guildford Golf Club and the Merrow Downs – an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst there are few cycle
tracks/paths to link to the area, a traffic free cycle route runs through the Merrow Downs showing an example of
open space for leisure pursuits such as walking and cycling (seen as Drove Road on P1 and marked as a trackway in
0349 on the OS map). In the area of Onslow (9849) to the south west of Guildford there is little provision for cyclists or
walkers and little access to open space. Provision to such areas seems best perhaps in Merrow with less access to
open space and cycling facilities in the west areas of Guildford, for example Stoughton. Where open spaces exist, there
is not always access by cycle route directly for example Stringers Common 9952 or the Queen Elizabeth park 986526,
indeed the area of Stoughton appears to have least provision of cycle routes linking to open space for the leisure of
either cyclists or walkers.
42
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
Lochinver and its surrounding area (known in the census as Data Zone SO1003967) is seen by some as a thriving
rural community and by others as an area about which there is serious concern.
Discuss these two points of view with reference to the evidence provided. (15)
Mark Scheme
Level 1 (1-6 marks)
The answer contains relevant points that have been lifted from the AIB without any development. Statements are
basic and do not develop links between different ideas.
Any evidence of research is limited and does not develop the answer beyond a basic and simple level of
understanding.
Level 2 (7-12 marks)
An answer that selects the key indicators for thriving or not thriving, without developing them, is just into Level 2.
Max 7 for only one view.
The answer uses the evidence clearly to develop an argument. There is a clear understanding of how the health of the
community might be assessed and then the evidence is fitted into this pattern, making clear links between ideas and
facts.
Evidence of other areas might be used in a generally relevant way to support the arguments that are being
developed. The quality of written communication is clear and conveys the meaning well.
Level 3 (13-15 marks)
The answer is detailed and thorough. Data are used clearly and precisely to provide support for arguments.
Alternative opinions and views might be given and clearly weighed up to provide a thorough argument. Evidence of
other areas might be used well to support the argument that is being developed. The quality of written
communication is clear and conveys the meaning with precision.
Candidate C
The area within this data zone is part of the most sparsely populated country in the UK with a population density of
approximately 1 person per square km. This may give reason as to why there is serious concern about the area
because the very low population means the sense of community decreases, services may become less well provided for
meaning individuals who live there can easily become socially isolated. The only main means of road access to
Lochinver is via the A837 which follows on to a series of hamlets. This is regarded as limited access and can be
regarded as unusable in some adverse weather conditions. The low population of the area (491) means that there
may not be enough children to keep the very few primary schools/secondary schools open meaning that local children
will be forced to travel further to school.
However some who see the community as thriving would argue that currently access to services are reasonably well,
with local GPs on average 5.5 minutes away and supermarkets only 8.8 minutes. Although the long duration of public
transport journeys to these services indicate the lack of provision in this sector because of the sparse population eg
public transport time to shopping facilities in 2006 was 141.9 minutes, meaning people who do not own a car are at a
severe disadvantage and are at risk of becoming socially isolated. However, unlike in Scotland as the Highland region
0% of the population aged 16-24 are claiming jobseekers allowance indicating the area is providing adequate
employment for this cohort. Although there are very few members of this youthful cohort in the area (only 15 16-19
year olds out of 491) as they are known to migrate to more densely populated areas for a wider variety of jobs.
However, the crafting, geotourism and agritourism industries in the data zone and Lochinver can be described as
increasing. However to maintain this precious fragile environment tourism is small scale therefore can only increase
up to a point. Crofting is also under threat as the Common Agricultural Policy does not favour small scale sustainable
methods and cuts in subsidies mean many crofters are struggling, hence the increase in absentee rates.
43
GEO4B Jan 2011 – Urban Regeneration in Belfast: Student Activity Book (SG Nov 2010)
4 Discuss whether initiatives such as the creation of the North West Highlands Geopark can help isolated rural
communities to survive as viable communities in the 21st century.
(15)
Mark Scheme
Level 1 (1-6 marks)
Some relevant points are made but these are not well-expressed and are not linked together to provide a coherent
and well-argued answer. The answer is vague with assertions that are not supported. It may just consist of a ‘wish
list’. There is little attempt to link the answer into the whole of the candidate’s study of geography on the A Level
course.
Level 2 (7-12 marks)
The answer is clear with some of the issues discussed in a reasonably well-structured way.
Opinions are supported by some well-chosen details from the AIB and there may be evidence of further research by
the candidate. There is some evidence that the candidate has taken ideas developed during the two-year course and
has applied these to the topic in question in a way that shows a reasonable degree of understanding.
Suggestions are realistic with some precision. There may be references to different initiatives in different parts of the
area. There may be references to short and long term solutions. Written communication is clear and conveys the
meaning well.
Level 3 (13-15 marks)
The answer is detailed and thorough, balanced and logical. It combines details from the AIB with information from
the candidate’s own research and an understanding of the ideas developing during the two-year course. The answer
shows a high level of geographical understanding. The quality of written communication is clear and conveys the
meaning with precision.
Candidate B
The Geopark status does indeed enhance the geographical, archaeological, ecological and cultural heritage of an area
but it is difficult to determine whether such initiatives can help isolated rural communities in the 21st century.
Clearly the Geopark initiative has allowed local communities to ‘diversify into tourism niche markets’ (Item 1) and
markets local produce such as clothing, arts and crafts and also comes with advertising benefits of ‘local events and
activities to a wider audience’ (Item 1). It also provides new employment opportunities as now we are seeing 9.33% of
the working population of the Highlands working in hotels and catering sectors. It also allows local produce from
crafting to be promoted as highlighted in the ‘Food for thought’ section of Item 2 and allows local communities to be
supported by the new abundance of visitors as highlighted in Item 2 where it states that visitors ‘play an active role in
supporting local communities’. In turn, if crofting is supported by tourists, then other services are supported. On the
other hand research has shown me that the area despite the Geopark initiative is still struggling as www.crofting.org
shows that crofts are being abandoned. Whilst there is an unsatisfying demand for crofts, young people cannot afford
crofts due to the distorted housing market and that some good crofts are being lost to developers. This highlights that
young people are still finding it difficult to establish themselves and that traditions are still being challenged in the 21st
century. The website www.hle.co.uk showed that although young people were proud of the region they were having
to leave due to lack of education and economic opportunity. The CAP reform plans to reduce subsidies which will put
pressure on crafting communities despite the Geopark initiative. It appears therefore that the Geopark initiative can
help communities like this to attempt to survive but that other worldly factors may mean that they still find it difficult.
However there can be other initiatives which can attempt to support it such as HICES (Highlands and Islands Croft
Entrance scheme. The Talent Scotland Graduate Placement Programme and the donations of £166000 from the
Scotland Rural Development Programme and the £9980 donation from the Big Lottery Awards for All scheme. These
could combine with the Geopark initiative to sustain the viability of these rural communities as alone it doesn’t seem
to have reduced population decline for instance.
44