A Level Geography

�Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world�s current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.� � Michael Palin.

Geography is one of the most wide-ranging subjects you can choose to study. It involves developing knowledge of both the physical and human world and understanding how they impact on each other. It looks at how and why the world we live in has changed and how people need to look towards a more sustainable future. Geography allows a student to explore theoretical ideas and concepts such as, plate tectonics, and apply them to real life situations in an attempt to explain past events and prepare or prevent future natural disasters. When will the next super volcano erupt? Why is there a constant famine in parts of Africa? Can you work out a sustainable solution? Can you change the future of the Earth?

Qualities required:

You should be prepared to take an active interest in a wide variety of issues related to geography and the environment. It is important that you participate during lessons and field work and are willing to contribute ideas to discussions and group activities. In particular, you will be encouraged to think critically and to make judgements based on both facts and different viewpoints.

Links with other subjects:

Geography is uniquely placed as a subject that bridges the Arts and Sciences. It enables you to maintain a broad education if taken with either Arts or Science based subjects. It is complementary in terms of content e.g. Biology and Economics and/or in skills e.g. Mathematics and English.

AS Level

1) Landscape Systems � Glaciated Landscapes

2) Changing Spaces: Making Places

3) Disease Dilemma�s or Hazardous Earth

Geographical skills will be taught as an integral part of each of the units above.

Investigative Geography:

This will provide learners with the opportunity to undertake an independent investigation which is of particular interest to them. This can be related to any part of the geography specification. Guidance will be provided by the course teachers.

Advanced Level

Physical Systems:

1) Landscape Systems � Glaciated Landscapes

2) Earth�s Life Support Systems

Human Interactions:

1) Changing Spaces: Making Places

2) Global Systems � Global Migration; Human Rights

Geographical Debates:

1) Disease Dilemma�s

2) Hazardous Earth

Geographical skills will be taught as an integral part of each of the units above.

Assessment:

Advanced Level

Physical Systems 1 hour 45 minute written exam 24% of the A Level

Human Interactions 1 hour 45 minute written exam 24% of the A Level

Geographical Debates 2 hours 30 minute written exam 32% of the A Level

Investigative Geography A written report. 20% of the A Level

Geographical Skills will be assessed in all three written exam papers.

Fieldwork is required to be undertaken for at least four days throughout the A level course. This will include a residential visit to the Cranedale Centre in North Yorkshire. There may also be an optional field visit overseas.

Five or more GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, including Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

Grade 4 in Geography if studied.

� Geography can be studied as a BA or BSc.

� Geography forms the core of a wide range of specialised and often vocational degree courses such as Environmental Management and Town Planning.

� Many of the qualities developed on the course e.g. carrying out individual research, evaluating conflicting arguments and working in teams are qualities that are highly regarded by employers.