Geography
Name of subject: Geography
Examination board: Edexcel
Entry requirements: English B grade
Geography/History/Citizenship/Religious Studies (preferred) B grade
Description of the course (overview):
Geography is the study of the world around us and how we interact with the world. The A’level course includes three exams and one piece of individual investigation (coursework)
What topics will students cover?
Dynamic Landscapes - We study tectonic hazards around the world and how people prepare and plan for such events. There is a particular focus on processes and what leads to the formation of landscapes and how they change. We also look at a range of dynamic landscapes includes rivers and glaciated valleys to identify the reasons for their formation and how they change over time.
Dynamic Places - We study globalisation and how global interdependence continues to accelerate which results in changes for people and businesses. We focus on how globalisation impacts culture and the flow of ideas, people and goods take place around the world. We look at how places are being regenerated and changed to suit the needs of the people who live there.
Physical Systems and Sustainability - We explore the water and carbon cycle and how water insecurity is an increasingly global threat. Finally, we look at climate change and how the future of the planet is in crisis.
Human Systems and Geopolitics - The idea of superpowers is investigated and how countries are becoming emerging superpowers in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations. We look and see how these global powers influence politics and the environment through development. Migration, identity and sovereignty is explored to see why people move and the issues that arise as a result of mass migration.
Independent Investigation – An independent investigation is undertaken by students to explore and area of their choice. This 3000 to 4000 word report is based on an area that the candidate is interested in.
What skills will you develop?
Geography has such a wide range of skills associated with it, you’d be amazed. We use analysis and interpretation when we examine data and figures to show how countries develop and we’ll examine complex diagrams and processes of atmospheric systems. Team work is important, as is the ability to present information to others in a wide range of methods (e.g. presentation, written, websites, and blogging).
Careers – Geography is not about becoming a geography teacher! Geography opens up many avenues including finance and banking, local and national government, international charities, GIS (global mapping software like Google Earth), planning and design, law or even a weather presenter (called a meteorologist!)
Enrichment Activities
We visit universities for talks and lectures as well as attend local and national residential fieldtrips. A key visit is to the South Coast for a three day residential to exploring the changing coastline in Dorset.
Links: Royal Geographical Association (www.rgs.org/careers)