A bundle of all my coasts lessons prepared for the AQA specification, but still useful for other specifications.
Lesson titles in order are:
Types of Waves
Weathering and Mass Movement
Processes of Erosion and Transportation
Headlands and Bays
Wave Cut-Notches & Platforms, Stacks, Stumps and Arches
Longshore Drift and Deposition
Beaches and Sand Dunes
Spits and Bars
Coastal Landforms at Swanage
Hard Engineering
Soft Engineering
Managed Retreat
Coastal Management at Lyme Regis
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A simple, colourful and easy to use revision workbooklet with activities to help students revise the coasts section to the AQA GCSE specification.
Includes Holderness Coast case study.
Revision work booklet for students to use to prepare for the coasts topic in Paper 1 - Physical Geography.
Various activities, exam questions and case studies included.
All clearly linked to the specification.
Edexcel A-level
Topic 2: Coasts
Lesson 1 - Free - L1 - 2.1 -What are the Coast Distinctive Landscapes?
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12638753
This SoW has been created to meet the teaching requirements of Topic 2: Coasts, which is a component of the Geography Edexcel A-level course.
This SoW is designed in detail and is both differentiated and engaging, and allows you to move pupils through content efficiently. As a result, lessons take around two hours to deliver and hit the required components of the syllabus (see syllabus code).
Made to a high standard and constructed using current research, both dual coding and retrieval practices are at the heart of this unit. A colour scheme also runs throughout to ease both your delivery and students comprehension.
A KS3 SoW has also been include free…
This resource is a part of a scheme that covers the entire A-level topic (Water Security), which can be viewed using the link below:
L1 - 2.1 -What are the Coast Distinctive Landscapes?
L2 - 2.2 + 2.3 - What role does Geology Play in Affecting Coastal Landscapes?
L3 - 2.4 - How does Coastal Erosion Create Distinctive Landscapes?
L4 - 2.5 - What landforms are created by coastal transportation and deposition?
L5 - 2.6 - How do subaerial processes influence coastal landforms?
L6 - 2.7 (2.10)- How are Changes to Sea Level Influencing Coast Over Various Time Scales?
L7 - 2.8 (2.10) - How Does Rapid Coastal Retreat Cause Threaten Coastal Communities?
L8 - 2.9 - Why is there a Growing Risk of Coastal Flooding?
L9 - 2.11 - How are Coastal Recession and Flooding Affecting Communities?
L10 - 2.12 - Why are Coasts Increasingly Managed by ICMZ?
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have prior to purchase and any feedback is of course welcome…
thegeographyshoporiginal@gmail.com
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I hope you find this SoW useful. If you have, I have created a series of resources.
You can check them out here.
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AQA A Level Geography Coasts Case Study - The Holderness Coastline.
2 A3 case study sheets containing information on the Holderness’ location, different types of coastline and landforms, factors affecting rates of erosion, impacts of erosion and sea level, hard engineering strategies along the Holderness coast and future management plans.
DOCs and PDF Formats.
This lesson explores the conflicts that arise when managing a coastline, using the Holderness Coast as a detailed case study. Students learn why different groups of people hold different views about coastal protection, how fast the coastline is eroding, and how management decisions can benefit some groups while disadvantaging others.
The lesson uses video clips, opinion statements, maps and data to help students understand why coastal management often leads to disagreement between stakeholders.
This lesson fits well within any KS3 Coasts scheme of work and strengthens the foundations needed for GCSE topics involving conflict, stakeholders and coastal management.
Coasts lesson, KS3 Geography coasts, Holderness Coast, coastal conflict, stakeholder views, managed coastline, coastal erosion, coastal management case study, Spurn Head spit, geography worksheets, shoreline management plans, geography PowerPoint.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/WorldWideLearners
Revision sheets for students to complete for the new AQA Geography A-Level Coastal Systems and Landscapes topic. Each revision sheet covers each point in the specification. There are 5 revision sheets (to be printed on A3). Example questions for each point in the specification also included. I print these double sided so students can revise and then complete exam questions based on the content.
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at the formation of headlands and bays through the process of differential erosion.
We start with a simple retrieval practice quiz.
We then introduce the concept of differential erosion and how geology can play big role in the formation of bays and headlands. the pupils are introduced to the features then use a trace outline diagram to alter the coastline to predict what it might look like in the future. The pupils then label the diagrams to show how headlands and bays are formed. We then look at concordant and discordant coastlines. We start by analysing a map of the Swanage coastline, the pupils questioned as to why the coast has different features and shapes. The pupils make a geological map of the area using an outline map, they them annotate where the two types of coastline are.
We finish with a GCSE-style question on the role of geology in the formation of landforms on the coast.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
Retrieval practice starter
Trace it 3-step diagram on the formation of bays and headlands.
A geological outline map of the Dorset coastline activity.
6 mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it.
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at the processes of erosion and transportation (Note we don’t do longshore drift until the next lesson, too much for one lesson!)
We start with a retrieval practice grid from the previous lesson (good for spaced practice).
We then introduce the concept of erosion, we watch a short video clip of he problems at Dawlish several years ago to get the pupils thinking about why erosion is important. We then look at erosion first, the pupils have a worksheet which shows the processes. They need to describe the process, locate the process on the map with an arrow and as a bonus they get to colour the diagram in (They still love doing this in year 11). We briefly look at the four processes of transportation and they do the same thing on the diagram.
Next we explore what factors might affect the rate of these processes occurring. I get the pupils to do a spray diagram or spider diagram. The pupils then use this to answer the question on the worksheet.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
Retrieval practice starter
Worksheet on the processes of erosion and transportation.
Activity on factors influencing these processes
Video clips where appropriate
GCSE-style question with guidance on answering
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at types of hard engineering and where they are best applied.
The starter is a quiz where the pupils need to select the squares that have a depositional landform. There are sound effects too so it’s all very exciting.
We begin by looking at why certain areas of the coast need protecting and what factors go into consideration when planners are deciding whether or not to protect the coastline. The pupils are then given some information cards and a worksheet to fill in on the different types of hard engineering, they also have a visual scale to shade in for each one according to it’s effectiveness and durability, cost and sustainability. This can be done in a number of ways (group work, round the room, carousel etc). We then seek to apply this knowledge though the pupils completing a decision making exercise. This is based on a fictional town (Sandytown). The town has been divided into zones, the pupils read the information on each zone and decide what type fo hard engineering that zone needs and justify this.
We finish with a 6 mark question on hard engineering with some guidance on how they can answer this.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
Interactive starter quiz on depositional landforms.
Video clip.
Hard engineering worksheet with visual scale.
Decision making exercise activity.
6-mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it.
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at what managed retreat is and we also consider an example at Medmerry in West Sussex.
The starter is a a simple true or false quiz that is used for retrieval practice, but is easily edited. We introduce the concept of coastal management schemes first and then we explore the definition of managed retreat with a simple fill in the gap task and the pupils consider when it might be appropriate as a strategy and when not. We introduce Medmerry, the pupils write a description of it’s location before we look at the scheme and why it was needed. The pupils have a worksheet, the questions are answered whilst the pupils watch a video clip on the scheme. They then complete a visual plan map of the scheme to show how the area is flooded. We then consider the benefits and costs of the scheme in a categorising task.
We finish with a 6 mark question on the effectiveness of coastal management schemes. The pupils have some guidance on this if you feel they need it.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
Retrieval practice starter
Short tasks on definition of managed retreat and location of Medmerry.
Worksheet tasks with questions and a plan view map of the scheme.
Information categorising task on costs and benefits of the scheme.
6-mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it.
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
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AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at the different types of weathering and mass movement.
We start with a true or false retrieval practice quiz on wave types from the previous lesson.
We then introduce the concept of weathering and proceed to look at mechanical, biological and chemical weathering. The pupils have a variety of annotation, drawing and question tasks to complete on the worksheet.
Moving on to mass movement, the pupils get a second worksheet with 4 different slopes on. The pupils then are given information on each type of mass movement. They sketch the type of mass movement onto their slope and add labels. We finish with a simple GCSE-style question which I get the pupils to answer on a post-it note.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
True or False starter on wave types
Weathering activity sheet with diagrams and questions.
Mass movement ‘change the slope’ activity sheet.
Video clips where appropriate
GCSE-style question plenary
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
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AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at spits and bars together with the processes that lead to their formation.
The starter is a true or false type quiz where the pupils have to find the landforms and processes associated with erosion.
We have a brief reminder of what longshore drift and deposition are. We have a quiz around a photo of Spurn Head and then watch a video clip. The pupils then create annotated diagrams of spits, bars and tombolos. This is usually teacher led in my lessons, but would work as an info hunt/share. We then draw an annotated field sketch from a photograph of Dawlish Warren Spit. The pupils then label the feature of the spit and fill in the blanks on the paragraph.
We finish with a 6 mark GCSE-style question: “Explain how the processes of deposition lead to the formation of distinctive landforms”. The pupils have some guidance in answering this.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
Retrieval practice true or false starter
Video clip
Annotated diagrams on formation of spits, bars and tombolos.
Features of a field sketch from photograph with an example.
6 mark GCSE-style question with guidance should the pupils need it.
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
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Complete Half-Term Unit on Coasts – Ideal for KS3 Geography
This fully resourced unit covers one half-term and introduces KS3 students to the dynamic topic of coasts. Lessons are clear, varied, and visually rich, exploring both physical processes and human responses to coastal environments.
Whether you’re a specialist or non-specialist, this unit is designed to be flexible and easy to use, saving you time without compromising on quality. This set includes PowerPoints, ready to print worksheets, embedded videos, engaging activities, and an end-of-unit assessment.
Topics covered:
Importance of Coastal Areas
Weathering
Erosion
Coastal Landforms
Coastal Management
Coral Reefs
If you find this unit useful, feel free to browse my shop for a wide range of Geography resources. I keep my prices affordable and offer bundles across a variety of topics and key stages. As a practising classroom teacher with over 20 years of experience, I only share resources I’ve used myself – all lessons have been tried, tested, and enjoyed by my students.
A lot of care goes into creating these resources, so I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review. Thank you for your support!
Updated May 2025
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1C: In this lesson we look at how waves are formed and different types of waves.
We start with a differentiated photo starter where the pupils can create questions for themselves or the teacher to answer on coastal erosion.
We then introduce waves by watching big wave surfers at Nazare in Portugal. This is where the largest onshore waves in the world are found. The pupils then make an annotated step by step guide to how ripples turn into large waves. We then look at what happens when the waves arrive on-shore. The pupils make an annotated diagram. We then look at constructive and destructive waves. The pupils make pop-up versions of both wave types to go into their books with annotations.
We finish we a simple 4-mark question on the differences between constructive and destructive waves with some guidance.
In a nutshell lesson includes:
Photo interpretation question creator starter
Annotated step by step diagrams of wave formation
Diagram of the process of waves breaking
Pop-up destructive and constructive waves.
Video clips where appropriate
GCSE-style question with guidance
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
A short assessment that could be completed in 40 minutes for KS3 students. Includes questions on erosion, deposition, landforms and defences. Aimed at mixed ability classes - most pupils should be able to complete most of the sheet, with a couple of mildly challenging questions at the end. Now with assessment grid.
This PowerPoint revision booklet contains clear, concise revision slides for the AQA GCSE Geography coast topic.
The booklet is designed for effective exam revision, with each slide focusing on one key concept from the specification.
SLIDES ARE FORMATTED FOR A4 FOR EASY PRINTING
Slides use:
Short, exam-focused bullet points
Clearly labelled diagrams
Highlighted key terms and processes
Simple cause-and-effect explanations
This layout supports independent study, retrieval practice, and last-minute revision, making it suitable for in-class revision, homework, or intervention groups.
Included topics:
Waves
4 Processes for coastal erosion
4 Processes for coastal Transportation
Headlands and bays
Wave cut platforms
Caves, arches, stacks and stumps
Longshore Drift
Spits and Bars
Sand dunes and Beaches
Managing coastal erosion
CASE STUDY: LYME REGIS COASTAL MANAGEMENT
Suitable for:
AQA GCSE Geography
Year 9–11 students
Revision lessons, homework, and exam preparation