Geography

Course Overview

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future” – Michael Palin.

There has never been a better or more important time to study A level Geography.

Geography is one of the broadest and most dynamic and highly contemporary A levels you can study. Covering a wide range of content, such as world poverty and political systems, the future of the climate and cities or how to do scientific research you will get a bit of it all! Geography will nurture what you are interested in and give you an opportunity to find issues that speak to you and your sense of curiosity. Geography will lead you to an appreciation of the Earth and provide insight into the big issues facing the planet and us who live on it today. Furthermore, it helps us to understand the decisions that are being made around these issues today.

Geography equips students with an incredibly wide range of skills. Students learn how to conduct scientific research, use statistical methods, write essays, construct arguments and critically evaluate the situation around them. These are all increasingly important skills for a world of work where the future is uncertain. Students that have studied Geography at both A level and degree level are rapidly becoming some of the most sought after graduates around because of the huge range of skills that they possess, as well as the breadth of knowledge that they come with.

The A level Geography course is split into human and physical geography, even though geography is a very fluid subject with some of the issues overlapping. Human topics such as urbanisation and globalisation are very good for generating debate and allowing you to apply your knowledge to a worldwide context. Physical geography looks at topics such a natural hazards and look at how hazards occur, what can be done to predict them and the management that is in place if one occurs.

The course comprises of three components:

Component 1: Physical Geography; Water & Carbon Cycles, Coastal Systems and Landscapes, Hazards. (2hr 30min written exam – 40% of A level)

Component 2: Human Geography;

Global Systems and Governance, Changing Places, Contemporary Urban Environments. (2hr 30min written exam – 40% of A level)

Component 3: Geographical Investigation; Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content. (3000-4000 word report – 20% of A level)