Geography

Choosing this Course

This course will appeal to those students who are inquisitive about the world around them and want to understand the processes creating our natural environment, as well as the big issues facing the global economy and society.  The course will challenge perceptions and stimulate your investigative and analytical skills.  Good reading and writing skills are essential, as well as strong numeracy skills.   Students who want a subject that looks at topical issues and who enjoy fieldwork will find Geography very suitable.

 

Course Content

This course gives you a chance for a more in-depth look at the key issues facing our world today.  The course is split into human and physical geography and the topics covered are:

Human Geography:

• Global systems and global governance
• Changing places
• Population and the Environment

This exam will focus on ideas surrounding globalisation, interdependence, the problems facing global cities and focus on people's engagement with places, their experience of them and the qualities they ascribe to them which are of fundamental importance in their lives.

Physical Geography:

• Water and carbon cycles
• Coastal systems and landscapes
• Hazards

This exam will build on the foundations set at GCSE, but you will gain a greater understanding of the physical processes involved in a variety of dynamic environments which will be related to real-life examples.

Field work is a compulsory part of the course, and you will be expected to take part in four days of fieldwork at the beginning of year 13.  On the field trip you acquire a range of mathematical, ICT, and literacy skills necessary for the exams.  It will also form the basis for your coursework essay.

Assessment:

Two exams of 150 minutes each involving extended essay questions.  This forms 80% of the A Level.  20% is in the form of a 4,000 word coursework essay based on an issue investigated during fieldwork.

 

Career Opportunities

Geography is seen as a key facilitating subject and is looked on favourably by employers. Employers value the mix of numerical, literacy, analytical, and practical skills developed. There are various careers where geographical knowledge has direct relevance, e.g. Conservation, Environmental Management, Leisure and Tourism, Town Planning, Retail Marketing.  However, virtually all careers will benefit from the wide range of skills that Geography students develop. The analytical aspect of Geography will also suit careers growing around the use of AI, as well as benefitting careers in technology and engineering.