GEOGRAPHY
QUALIFICATION:
A level
OVERVIEW:
The course involves the study of change in both physical and human environments as well as how people interact within these.
The topics covered in Year 12:
Tectonic Processes and Hazards – a study of the causes of tectonic hazards, the impact of tectonic activity on people, and responses to tectonic hazards.
Landscape Systems, Processes and Change – an integrated study of processes, landforms and landscapes. A study of one Coastal Landscape System and the physical and human processes influencing change over time and space.
Globalisation – a study of globalisation, its causes and consequences for different people and places.
Regenerating Places – a study of how and why places are shaped and changed, the meanings and identities attached to different places and the consequences for different people.
The Year 13 topics include:
The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity – human and natural factors that impact on water cycling, consequences for water security and future water conflicts.
The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security – human and natural factors impacting on carbon cycling, the consequences for ecosystems and management strategies.
Superpowers – the reasons for shifting economic and political power, the impacts of superpowers, influence of superpowers in governing the global commons.
Global Development and Connections – Health, Human Rights and Intervention
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Previous study of Geography at GCSE level is highly desirable. Success in GCSE Geography or GCSE Humanities to at least at level 5, would be a good indicator of suitability for the course.
EQUIPMENT:
The department will provide all of the fieldwork equipment required and exercise books for each topic but you may be required to make a contribution towards the electronic textbooks
SKILLS:
The practical skills of investigating, analysis, the use of statistical methods, interpretation, report writing and making presentations are transferable key skills which are highly sought after by prospective employers.
ASSESSMENT:
This is a linear course with three exams at the end of the two years each lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes. Two of the exams assess the topics covered over the course each accounting for 30% of the qualification. The third is a decision making paper with an unseen resource booklet, this accounts for 20% of the course. The last 20% from coursework on either human of physical geography and is supported by your 4 days of fieldwork.
FUTURE PROSPECTS:
Geography is regarded highly by the Russell University Group as a facilitating subject.
One aspect of Geography that students find appealing is the range of opportunities available to those with an A level in Geography. For example, some recent former students are working as landscape architect; estate manager; surveyor; transport manager; marketing officer; teacher; farmer; lecturer; archivist; museum director; army officer.
WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:
“The support that you have given me in Geography has encouraged me to pursue a degree in International Relations at university. Geography is my outright favourite subject and the teaching that I have received has been inspirational and has challenged me to push myself to achieve my dream.”
