Carmel College Geography Course Information

geography

AS/A2 Geography

Why choose Geography at Carmel?

In choosing Geography at Carmel, you would be joining a very enthusiastic and hard working department in which you can expect to be taught by well qualified and experienced staff. All members of the Geography team, work to develop relaxed and productive working relationships based on mutual respect.

As a member of this team you will be valued as an individual, whilst being challenged academically, allowing your real potential to emerge as a Geographer, both in the classroom and more importantly, in the field.

A large number of students join the AS course each year and the popularity of the subject is reflected in the outstanding progression rate of students onto the A2 course in the second year.

Through Geography you will experience a broad education that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries in bringing together the social and natural sciences – people and their varied environments.

As a Geographer you will deal with issues that are central to society and the environment, and it will equip you to face the future – a future for the planet, to which Geography holds the key.

AS/A2 Geography

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

meet the students ALEX HUGHES St Julie’s Studying: Geography, Biology, Maths Studying Geography has made me an altogether ‘rounder’ person, making me aware of the world and ways I can help to make it better such as reducing CO2 emissions. I enjoyed the Geography Field trip to Morecambe as it gave me the opportunity to put the work we had done in class into practice in a practical way. There is a very friendly atmosphere in the Geography department and around the college in general and the new buildings and facilities are excellent. I would like to study Geography at university and ultimately become a secondary school teacher.

meet the tutors KIERON VESEY Head of Faculty : Social Sciences

MARY WILLIAMS Geography Subject Tutor, Assistant Degree Co-ordinator and Sustainability Officer

WHAT WILL THE COURSE INVOLVE?

At AS Level you will study global themes, focusing on ‘World at Risk’ and ‘Going Global’.

Geography is an established modular subject, which emphasises a balanced understanding of physical and human geography.

You will discover how your own actions can relate to the wider world, be it your local area or a country far away.

Your study of the subject will be based on two key elements: A ‘People-Environment’ approach to Geography and an ‘Enquiry’ approach to learning.

Unit 1: Global Challenges.

In this unit you will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges.

‘People-Environment Geography’ is based on the examination of the questions, issues and problems arising from the interaction of people with their varied environments.

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations.

This gives you an opportunity to undertake Geographical research, including a residential field course.

The ‘Enquiry’ approach to learning rests on the understanding that effective learning occurs when students are actively engaged in enquiry into key environmental questions, issues and problems. All units that you will study encourage you to evaluate sustainable development options for the future and to consider the part that you might play as a citizen and the contribution which you can make to a more sustainable use of the environment.

You will investigate two topics in depth: one from Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts (Physical Geography); and one from Unequal Spaces or Rebranding Places (Human Geography).

The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing. It can enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team work problem solving and environmental awareness.

You will study two units:

Students getting soaked by one of Iceland’s greatest natural features - The Great Geysir

What will this course prepare me for?

As an AS or A2 Geography student, you will have access to a wide range of possible career and Higher Education opportunities. Many students, on completing A Level Geography, progress onto Higher Education courses in Geography or Environmental Science.

In 2009, 96% of A Level Geography students progressed from Carmel to University, with 46% reading Geography or a Geography related subject. Increasing numbers of students are now studying degrees in Sustainable Development, Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Management.

More than ever we need the Geographer’s skills and foresight to help us learn about our planet – how we use it and how we abuse it. You will be able to build on your Geography, and as many former students have done, move into specialist careers in development, ecosystems and environmental management, land and water processes, map work and computing, population, settlement and industry as well as tourism and recreation. The list is endless!

At A2 Level you will learn how the world is contested and develop practical research skills in your chosen area.

You will study two units: Unit 3: Contested Planet - In this unit you will consider six key world issues (Energy Security; Water Conflicts; Biodiversity Under Threat; Superpower Geographies; Bridging the Development Gap) and, in the sixth topic (The Technological Fix?), you will discuss possible technological solutions to the problems.

Unit 4: Geographical Research - This will allow you to develop further the investigative skills gained at AS level and prepare you for the demands of higher education or employment. You will choose one topic from these options: • • • • • •

Tectonic Activity and Hazards Cold Environments Life on the Margins The World of Cultural Diversity Pollution and Human Health at Risk Consuming the Rural Landscape

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? The AS/A2 programme you will study in Geography leads to a varied assessment and examination package, specifically designed to recognise your achievement and progress over the course.

Throughout the course you will be assessed on a regular basis to enable both you and your Tutors to measure your progress and set targets for improvement. Examinations will be taken in January and June of both the AS and A2 course, and your fieldwork investigation and research skills will be assessed in Unit 2 and Unit 4 respectively.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT LIKE? You will be joining an established and well-organised department in the college, which will provide you with a wide range of resources and facilities to support your studies.

The two dedicated Geography classrooms contain a wide range of excellent resources ranging from textbooks, periodicals and journals to networked computers, laptops and CD ROMs. In addition to TVs with both VHS and DVD facilities, both classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards and multimedia projectors. One of the classrooms also has basic lab facilities. Larger ICT suites are available close to the department but our most effective resources are the stimulating learning environment the department provides and the established field sites you will visit both home and abroad.

What support will I receive?

The department takes pride in the level of support we can give you and a wide range of support will be available to you on the Geography course. A booking system is available for you to arrange individual tutorials on specific topics related to your studies. Group tutorials are also arranged to provide revision support prior to your exams and ‘drop-in’ tutorials are set up during the completion of assignments for example.

So there is no need to lose sleep at night, all you have to do is drop into the department; your teachers will always be available to offer help and support.

In addition to academic and pastoral support, you will also have access to a wide range of resources and seminars related to careers in Geography throughout your course.

meet the students THOMAS LAMONT St Gregory’s

Studying: Geography, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Critical Thinking, Extended Project I particularly like the relevance of Geography to today’s world issues and processes from a natural and human perspective. It is interesting to learn about geographic processes like tectonics, water management, energy and how these influence society. Carmel has a really friendly and helpful atmosphere and the tutors are very approachable and encourage you to achieve your potential. There are lots of opportunities at Carmel; I am taking part in the ‘World Challenge’ project where a group of 8 students are going to India and the Himalayas in July 2010. I am aiming to get to Oxford University when I leave to study Earth Science.

WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL I GET INVOLVED IN?

Morecambe 2010

Sandscale Haws 2010

Iceland 2009

Enriching your studies will be an important part of your time with the Department. Our strong links with The University of Liverpool and Manchester Metropolitan University will give you the opportunity to attend lectures and conferences at these Universities as well as presentations by guest speakers visiting Carmel’s Geography Department.

An integral part of the AS course will be a memorable three day residential based at Arnside Youth Hostel, which provides a base for field investigations on the Lancashire coast, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. In conjunction with Hidden Country Field Studies, you will conduct field investigations on coastal defences, beaches, sand dune systems, urban and rural rebranding, enabling you to develop a wide range of geographical skills in the field.

As a student in the department you will also get the opportunity to take part in national competitions such as ‘Earthwatch’ which can give you the opportunity to take part in international conservation expeditions.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE CARMEL’S GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS? The emphasis on hard work, active learning and enjoyment is reflected in the achievements of our students:

2010 EXAMINATION RESULTS A2

AS

A* - B

65%

35%

A* - C

90%

54%

A2 students have also had the opportunity to take the Coyote Trail across the southwestern state of America, visiting the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks as well as Lake Powell, Monument Valley and Los Angeles. In 2009, the A2 students spent six incredible days in Iceland. They visited Reykjavik and the surrounding landscape and landforms of this volcanically active zone. Volcanoes, geysirs, glaciers and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – a lifetime experience!

A* - E

100%

95%

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge - Students mark the plate boundary separating the American Plate from the Eurasion Plate (Iceland 2009)

Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland 2009

Reykjavik Harbour, Iceland 2009

more information Exam board:

frequently Asked Questions

www.edexcel.com

What type of Geography will I study?

The Geographical Association:

You will study ‘People-Environment’ Geography which looks at the inter-relationships between people and their varied environments, and the questions, issues and problems which arise from these relationships. It is an environmental approach, which contains a balanced mix between the physical and human environments.

www.geography.org.uk The Royal Geographical Society:

www.rgs.org/HomePage Calculate your own Ecological Footprint:

Can I study Geography if I have not studied it at GCSE?

http://ecofoot.org/

Yes, if you have a keen interest in the environmental issues and problems that face people and the planet, then you are more than welcome on the course. Instead of a GCSE Geography grade we will look at your GCSE English Language grade.