Geography
Geography, and the world we study, is ever-changing. That’s why we focus on fundamental processes, reflect on the world around us and foster an understanding of what could impact its future. The core topics include:
- Coastal processes, flooding and management
- Tectonic hazards and management
- The importance of water security
- Carbon futures and energy security
- Globalisation
- Regeneration
- Superpower Geographies
- Migration, identity and sovereignty
There is also an underlying synoptic theme which help students see ‘the bigger picture’, by encouraging them to make geographical links between topics and issues.
To enable this, and support exam preparations, we signpost ‘Players’ (P), ‘Attitudes and Actions’ (A) and ‘Futures and Uncertainties’ (F) throughout the specification content.
We all live our lives geographically. Planet Earth is our home. It is awesome, diverse, inspiring and ever changing. Studying geography invites us to participate more fully in the excitement, enjoyment and challenge of this dynamic world. It draws on personal experience, to help us better understand the places we live in, why they matter and how they are connected to a globalised world.
Geography draws from across the physical, cultural, economic and political spheres to illuminate key issues for the present and the future, explored at all scales from the personal to the local and the global. Through geography we learn to appreciate the diversity of landscapes, peoples and cultures. Geography is therefore a vital subject resource for 21st century global citizens, enabling us to face questions of what it means to live sustainably in an interdependent world.
Geography helps us investigate and to think critically and creatively about the complexities of places, and different views and feelings relating to places. Geography is studied through enquiry, this requires the formulation of effective questions. Fieldwork and outdoor education are essential to geography. The subject helps develop significant elements of the skills framework, with a strong emphasis on utilising maps and visual images as well as new technologies including Geographical Information. These transferable geographical skills help to equip us for lifelong learning as responsible global citizens.
Fieldwork is an integral part of A Level Geography. We run 4 fieldtrips visits throughout the course to allow students to collect primary data for the A Level independent investigation (worth 20% of the A Level)
Fieldwork is a fantastic opportunity to allow you to apply your knowledge and understanding in a practical way.
The A Level assessment is based on 3 exams and 1 independent investigation.
Paper 1: Physical topics - Tectonic Hazards/Coasts/Water/Energy - 2 hours 15 minutes - 30%
Paper 2: Human topics - Globalisation/Superpowers/Regenerating Places/Migration - 2 hours 15 minutes - 30%
Paper 3: Synoptic Exam - Response to stimulus material on 2 or more topics - 2 hours 15 minutes - 20%
Independent investigation: you will define a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification. - 20%
You will find studying Geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of Higher Education courses and/or employment opportunities.
The transferable skills you gain studying a geography course gives you a great grounding in a range of different professions that leads employers to say that Geography students are often the most employable!
Geographers can go on to study higher level courses, including foundation degrees and undergraduate degrees.
Geographers can pursue rewarding careers in education, business, government agencies and non-profit organisations; to name a few!
