This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to study the physical, human and environmental aspects of Geography and how these interrelate. Students take an investigative approach to the work undertaken in the classroom and field. The need to develop sustainability is also an important factor which runs throughout the course of study. The aims of this course are to:
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of places, environments and geographical patterns at a range of scales from local to global and acquire an understanding of the physical and human processes, including decision making, which affect their development.
- Develop a sense of place and an appreciation of the environment, as well as awareness of the ways in which people and environments interact, the importance of sustainable development in those interactions, and the opportunities, challenges and constraints that face people in different places.
- Develop an understanding of global citizenship and the ways in which places and environments are interdependent.
- Appreciate that the study of Geography is dynamic, not only because geographical features, patterns and issues change but also because new ideas and methods lead to new interpretations.
- Acquire and apply the skills and techniques, including those of map work, fieldwork and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), needed to conduct geographical enquiry. Using appropriate geographical knowledge, encourage and enable students to appreciate the significance of people’s values and attitudes in their perception of the world and their actions within it.
Your course will be divided into three parts:
- Theme 1: Changing Places and Economies (urbanisation, urban and rural areas of the UK development)
- Theme 2: Changing Environments (coasts, rivers, weather and climate/climate change)
- Theme 3: Environmental Challenges (ecosystems, water resources and desertification)
Exams:
- 1 - Investigation into Geographical Issues (assesses all three themes) - 1 hour 45 minutes (40%)
- 2 - Problem Solving Geography (assesses skills used in all three themes) - 1 hour 30 minutes (30%)
- 3 - Applied Fieldwork Enquiry - 1 hour 30 minutes (30%)
Your work will include:
Researching using books, ICT and videos; fieldwork (work outside the classroom and trips); role-play and discussion; group presentations and writing reports.
Progression
There is the opportunity to study Geography at A Level and a number of students go on to study Geography at University.