Geography

Examination Board: AQA Although it is helpful to have studied Geography at GCSE level it is not a necessary requirement for this course. We follow the AQA Geography course, which has a balanced mix of human, physical and environmental geography. The A level Geography course investigates many of the complex issues facing the world and its people in the 21st Century. Students explore a wide range of topics such as climate change, globalisation, urban regeneration and management of global resources. Geography will appeal to students who are interested in the world’s places, people and environments. The course allows students to think independently, explore global and local issues in depth and develop research and fieldwork skills.

Five GCSE's Grade 4-9, this must include Maths and English Language or Literature. In addition, GCSE grade 5 is required in the subject areas chosen to study at A Level.

Topics studied across the two year course include: Changing Places: how places are shaped by flows of people, resources, money, investment and ideas; connections between places from local to global scales. Global Systems: the role of international trade; migration patterns; human development; global governance. Water and Carbon Cycles: issues facing carbon and water stores on land, in oceans and in the atmosphere; climate change. Landscape Systems: exploring the physical geography of coastal landscapes; landscape change; the role of human activity. Fieldwork Skills: at least four days of fieldwork. Individual Investigation: the opportunity for students to explore a geographical issue or topic of personal interest in considerable depth, based on fieldwork data. IS GEOGRAPHY RIGHT FOR ME? Fieldwork is an integral part of the whole A level course, so an interest in investigating the world around you is desirable. There are at least four days of fieldwork, including one residential trip. Students develop a wide range of highly sought after and employable skills e.g. communication, data handling, IT and GIS, problem-solving and working in teams. With geography the world is yours.

UNIT 1: Physical Geography - 40% of A level 2 hours 30 minutes written examination Mix of multiple choice, data response and essay style questions. UNIT 2: Human Geography - 40% of A level 2 hours 30 minutes written examination Mix of multiple choice, data response and essay style questions. UNIT 3: Individual Investigation - 20% of A level 3,000 - 4,000 words personal field work investigation.

Geography students are employed in a wide range of jobs including geographical information systems (GIS), sustainability and environmental management, tourism, transport planning, urban and regional planning, business, overseas development, hazard management and education.