Geography
Why study Geography?
Geography is one of the most wide-ranging subjects you can choose to study. It involves a knowledge and understanding of current issues all over the world. Consequently, it combines well with many other subjects and there is a huge choice of careers for geographers: town planner, climatologist, conservationist, market researcher, teacher, surveyor, lawyer, estate manager, cartographer, pollution analyst, hydrologist, geologist, architect, aid worker, estate agent, transport manager, civil engineer, crime analyst…
Geography covers the whole world!
What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?
There are no additional entry requirements for AS Level Geography above the college’s general entry conditions. However, you will benefit from having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is going on!
What will I learn?
The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing. It can enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team working, problem solving and environmental awareness.
We are planning to follow the EDEXCEL GCE Geography Specification from September 2008, which offers a new and exciting perspective on the subject, with relevant and up to date topics and case studies.
AS level
At AS level (year 1) you will study global themes, including globalisation and climate change. You will discover how your own actions can relate to the wider world, be it your local area or a country far away. You will study two module:
Module 1: Global Challenges
In this unit you will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges.
Module 2: Geographical Investigations
This gives you an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including a four day residential fieldtrip to Shropshire. You will investigate two topics in depth, one of Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts (physical geography), and one of Unequal Spaces or Rebranding Places (human geography).
A2 level
At A2 level (year 2) you will learn how the world is contested and develop practical research skills in your chosen area. You will study two modules.
Module 3 Contested Planet
In this unit you will consider five key world issues and in the sixth topic discuss possible technological solutions to the problems:
- Energy Security - Superpower Geographies
- Water Conflicts - Bridging the Development Gap
- Biodiversity Under Threat - The Technological Fix?
Module 4 Geographical Research
This will allow you to develop further the investigative skills gained at AS level and prepare you for the demands of higher education or employment. You will choose one topic from these six options:
- Tectonic Activity and Hazards - Pollution and Human Health at Risk
- Cold Environments - Consuming the Rural Landscape
- Life on the Margins — the food supply problem
- The World of Cultural Diversity
Is this the right subject for me?
The Advanced GCE in Geography will appeal to you if:
- you are curious about the world’s places, peoples and environments
- you like asking questions and finding answers
- you are interested in local, regional and global issues
- you have the ability to think independently
- you wish to explore human, physical and environmental geographical relationships.
How will I be assessed?
AS (Year 1) – two units:
Unit 1: Global Challenges
1.5 hour written examination, including a colour Resource Booklet
Unit 2: Geographical Investigations
1 hour written examination, including a colour Resource Booklet. You will be asked about your fieldwork skills in this examination.
Unit 1: Global Challenges Unit 2: Geographical Investigations
1 ½ hour exam
30% of A Level 1 hour exam
20% of A Level
A2 (Year 2) - two further units:
Unit 3: Contested Planet
2.5 hour written examination, including pre-released synoptic resources (4 weeks in advance) and a colour Resource Booklet in the exam. Part 1 of the examination will cover five of the six Unit 3 topics; Part 2 will cover the sixth topic in a synoptic context (i.e. pulling together aspects of the other five topics).
Unit 4: Geographical Research
1.5 hour examination, including a pre-released ‘research focus’ (4 weeks in advance). You will be asked to answer one question on the option of your choice.
Unit 3: Contested Planet Unit 4: Geographical Research
2 ½ hour exam
30% of A Level 1 ½ hour exam
20% of A Level
Fieldwork
In Year 1, Unit 2: Geographical Investigations lessons will be supplemented by the compulsory residential field course to Shropshire. Fieldwork can be a great experience and allows you to apply your knowledge and understanding in a practical way. On this course we also offer an opportunity to gain an additional formal level two qualification in working with others, as certified evidence of the teamwork which is integral to the trip.
In Year 2, Unit 4: Geographical Research also offers opportunities for fieldwork; you won’t be asked directly about fieldwork in your exam but it may help you when discussing your research. This is a new course but appropriate field work will be offered where it supports the taught and research components of the course.
What can I do after I’ve completed the course?
An A Level in Geography opens many doors!
You will find that studying geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of University courses and/or employment opportunities.
University: Geography is a sound basis for further academic study in a wide range of subjects due to the wide range of transferable skills you will develop. Universities value many of the skills you will develop in the course of the AS and A-level course. Further study of geography at university is also a popular option, allowing the topics studied at AS/A-level to be expanded on fully.
Employment: Geographers can go into a huge range of careers, including:
Advertising
Education
Environmental management
Finance
Law Marketing
Retailing
Sales
Social/health service