Course Description

Geography is a BIG subject and at A level you will dig deeper into the issues that face our planet in the 21st Century. If you are interested in the world around you, how it was created, the changes it goes through and the pressures placed on it, Geography would be a very rewarding subject to study.

It is also highly relevant for those keen on travel and experiencing the world around us.

Contact:	Mr C Pugh	Exam Board:	OCR
QAN:	60185764	Subject Code:	Gg

The Course at A Level

Topics that you are likely to study:

Core Human Geography

1. A unit that looks, in detail at how spaces become places. It will examine a variety of tools to help create successful places, with examples such as the growth and success of Shoreditch as a 'trendy' location in London.
2. An extended study, researching modern patterns of migration.
3. An option module of Human Rights whereby you will examine and analyse the experiences that different groups of people have and how this depends on their geographic location, or Power and Borders which involves analysing the role of different political units (eg the UN) in managing different conflicts.

Core Physical Geography

1. Water and carbon cycles and their links.
2. A case study of tropical rainforests and Arctic tundra to look at the physical differences and the human impacts that challenge their survival.
3. An extended study of coastlines around the world.

Geographical Debates Module

This unit involves the analysis of two additional topics, in depth. You will be expected to discuss issues arising from these subjects and debate the best solutions. Possible topics include: Climate Change, Disease Dilemmas, Exploring Oceans, Future of Food or Hazardous Earth.

An Independent Investigation

In this unit you will have selected your own personal geographic investigation from an area of the course that has interested you. You will use your time to create a 4000 word report that showcases your research, presentation and analytical skills.

Enhancement

We have a variety of events you can partake in that range from university lectures to a “Gordano Geography Bake-off”

Please note this course can be studied if you have not completed Geography at GCSE, as long as you have attained a Grade 5 in English at GCSE level.

Possible Subject Combinations 

Geography particularly complements other Humanities subjects, Biology, Maths and Business Studies. Students not studying Maths A Level may wish to choose Core Maths as an AS to support this subject.

Skills required 

Fieldwork – you will be required to attend at least four full days of both human and physical fieldwork.

Numeracy – You will be expected to create and interpret a variety of data sets.

Essay Writing – We will look at different ways with you to construct an appropriate essay.

Debating – You will be required to formulate and on occasions argue opinions.

What do the students say? 

“I can’t wait to go travelling and see the volcanoes and islands we’ve been studying.”

“Geography is the most interesting and important subject. It touches on local, national and worldwide events and makes you aware of other areas in the world”

Where can Geography take me?

Students may progress to a university degree in Geography or related subjects such as Environmental Studies and Geology. Geography graduates are very employable due to their wide range of skills and often find themselves in a broad range of professions including surveying, transport management, education, landscape architecture, development companies and the travel and tourism industry.

Assessment