Geography

Course

A level Geography is an exciting, contemporary course that will challenge your perceptions and stimulate you to develop your investigative and analytical skills. It can help to open a wide range of career doors and university pathways from architecture to water conservation.

Whilst the teaching and assessment is divided into two sections: Human Geography and Physical Geography, you will be encouraged to make connections between the topics and other subject areas, making Geography an ideal hub for sixth form study.

The Physical Geography element of the course comprises three topics: Water and Carbon, Coastal Systems and Hazards. In Water and Carbon, you will develop an understanding of important environmental systems. You will evaluate the role of humans in causing change to these interlinked cycles and assess the extent to which these cycles will change our planet in the 21st century. In Coasts, we will study the physical and human processes shaping beautiful and diverse coastlines and consider how fragile and dynamic these environments are. Finally, in Hazards, you will explore the origin and nature of natural hazards and the various ways in which people respond to them.

The Human Geography course also explores three topics: Global Systems and Governance, Changing Places and Contemporary Urban Environments. You will explore contemporary world affairs and study change in the global economy. We will work to understand the complexities of international trade and how international bodies, like the UN, attempt to manage current affairs. You will also learn how your own lives and those of others are affected by changes in the places around us as well as developing an understanding of the challenges of 21st century urban living and how we can aim for environmental sustainability and social cohesion.

In class, you will study real life places and issues while developing your skills in critical analysis, data manipulation and creating balanced, evidenced arguments. Classroom learning is augmented with at least four field days in our wider area, designed to enhance your understanding. There is also a residential course in the summer term of the lower sixth year.

You will be supported to conduct an independent investigation on a topic of your choice (worth 20% of the final grade). This will help to prepare you for research-based learning at university, as well as helping you to develop key skills for the workplace.

The course is relevant, contemporary and supported with study of a wide range of real world places. In an increasingly global, interdependent and fragile world, Geography has never been more important.

Assessment

Paper 1 2hr 30m written exam Physical Geography Paper 2 2hr 30m written exam Human Geography NEA Coursework (3,000-4,000 words)

Examination Board: AQA

40% 40% 20%

Additional Notes

Whilst the course builds on GCSE Geography, it is not essential to have done the subject at GCSE. Fieldwork is a compulsory part of the course, the costs of which are covered by the school.