Geography

Geography seeks to understand the modern world and all of its present day human and physical complexities. In Geography we focus on real world topical issues. Geographers study the temporal and spatial distribution of the Earth’s phenomena, processes and features and how humans interact with the environment, both human and physical. Geography is an interdisciplinary subject with a variety of topics, which includes economics, demographics, sociology, tectonics and geopolitics. It is how people perceive our world, how we interact with the world and what the world will be like in the future. If you choose to study A-Level Geography, you should be enthused about the world around you and issues that affect people and the planet.

If you have studied GCSE Geography you will need to achieve a grade 5. You will need at least a grade 5 in English and Maths if not taken at GCSE.

At King Edward VII School, we follow the AQA Geography Specification. Students will study Coastal Systems and Landscapes, Hazards, Changing Places. Water and Carbon Cycles, Global Systems and Global Governance, and Contemporary Urban Environments. Students will also complete an independent fieldwork investigation that requires students to collect primary and secondary data and use their fieldwork and quantitative skills. Students must complete a minimum of four days of fieldwork throughout their A-Level studies. This will take place on a residential field visit based in the UK, most recently this has been to Cranedale in Yorkshire. Fieldwork is a compulsory element of the course that will be assessed through A Level coursework. There will also be an optional residential during February half term in either Y12 or Y13. In previous years this has been to Iceland. This visit is aimed at students who are particularly interested in physical geography or those students who are interested in studying Geography, Geology or other related subjects at degree level. The residential has been running for a number of years and has proven highly popular with our students.

Geography remains to be one of the most versatile subjects at A-Level. It provides students with knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills that employers are looking for. Geography is seen as a natural stepping stone into a number of degree courses and sectors of employment, including the sciences, resource management, managerial positions, teaching, local and national government and all industries that require knowledge of how the world works.