AS/A2 Level 2013 Entry
Geography
1987-2012
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You will study ‘People-Environment’ Geography which looks at the 25environments Years inter-relationships between people and their varied
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You will learn why and how the world is changing
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Enhances communication skills, literacy, numeracy, IT skills, team work, problem solving and environmental awareness
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Friendly department with well qualified and experienced staff
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Outstanding support and guidance
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Opportunities for trips, visits and expeditions
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Many students progress onto Higher Education courses in Geography or Environmental Science
of inspiring individuals
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
Cath’s Perspective Geography is such a broad subject, covering many different topics which are all relevant to today’s current issues. Within Geography, a lot of the topics involve independent research into key cases studies along with class discussion and group work which means that by the end of the year, the class is a really close unit. During my first year at Carmel, all of the Geography students took part in a 3-day fieldtrip which helped me meet other Geography students outside of my own class whilst investigating topics in the real world. The work was challenging during the day but the evenings gave us all chance to socialise and relax. I hope to study Geography at either Newcastle or Lancaster University and pursue a successful related career.
AS/A2 Geography Exam Board EDEXCEL What will the course involve? Geography is an established modular subject, which emphasises a balanced understanding of both physical and human environments. Your study of the subject will be based on two key elements: A ‘People-Environment’ approach to Geography and an ‘Enquiry’ approach to learning. ‘People-Environment Geography’ is based on the examination of the questions, issues and problems arising from the interaction of people with their varied environments. 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. The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why
Cath McCarthy St Edmund Arrowsmith, Whiston Studying: Geography, Biology, Maths
Meet the Tutors Kieron Vesey Head of Faculty: Social Sciences & MFL, Head of Geography Mary Robinson Geography Subject Tutor, Assistant Degree Co-ordinator and Sustainability Officer Michael Graham Subject Tutor
and how it is changing. It can enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT skills, spatial awareness, team work, problem solving and environmental awareness. At AS Level you will study global themes, focusing on ‘World at Risk’, ‘Going Global’, ‘Crowded Coasts’ and ‘Rebranding’ for example. You will discover how your own actions can relate to the wider world, be it your local area or a country far away. You will study two units: Unit 1: Global Challenges In this unit you will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges. Unit 2: Geographical Investigations This gives you an opportunity to undertake Geographical research, including a residential field course. 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).
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 2011, 93% of A Level Geography students progressed from Carmel to University, with 48% 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.” (Michael Palin) 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!
James’ Perspective 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: Leisure & Tourism
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 May/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 which will provide you with a wide range of resources and facilities to support your studies. The two dedicated Geography classrooms contain excellent resources ranging from textbooks, periodicals and journals to networked computers, laptops and CD ROMs. In addition to TVs with DVD facilities, both classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards and multi-media 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 environments the department provides and the established field sites you will visit both home and abroad.
The Geography tutors at Carmel are very enthusiastic, friendly and are always there to help. They offer advice to ensure the students achieve their full potential. Last year we went on a fieldtrip to Morecambe Bay, Barrow and Cumbria which was not only interesting but was a great help in my AS exams. What has impressed me most about Carmel College is the great connection between the pupils and the tutors. This has a positive effect on not only the pupil’s attitude, but their final grades. After Carmel College I hope to go to Loughborough University studying Geography and hopefully this will lead me into a Geography related career. On the whole Carmel College is an excellent college and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to study here.
James Lomax Cowley International College 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.
Studying: Geography, ICT, Chemistry
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.
Students getting soaked by one of Iceland’s greatest natural features The Great Geysir
What other activities will I get involved in? Enriching your studies will be an important part of your time with the department. Our strong links with The University of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University and Hope 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.
Sandscale Haws 2012
Iceland 2009
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. A2 students have also had the opportunity to take the Coyote Trail across the southwestern states 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! As a student in the department you will also get the opportunity to take part in national competitions such as ‘Earthwatch’ and ‘Latitude’ 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:
2012 Examination Results
A2 AS
A* - B
42%
41%
A* - C
82%
68%
A* - E
100%
100%
Reykjavik Harbour, Iceland 2009
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge - Students mark the plate boundary separating the American Plate from the Eurasion Plate (Iceland 2009)
Frequently Asked Questions What type of Geography will I study?
More Information Exam board: www.edexcel.com The Geographical Society: www.rgs.org Calculate your Ecological Footprint: htp://ecofoot.org/
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. What are the entry requirements for AS Geography? A grade B in GCSE Geography and a grade B in English Language. If Geography is not studied, then a grade B in English Language and a grade B in one other essay based subject is required.