Head of Department: J J Hartley Board: EDEXCEL
Why study Geography? Geographers study the interaction between people and the places they inhabit. As such it is a relevant and flexible subject which integrates well with a variety of other subject areas and can usefully be combined with science, e.g. Maths, Computer Studies, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; or arts, eg. English, History and Modern Languages; and social sciences, eg. Economics. It allows the science specialist to develop important literacy skills and the arts specialist to develop important numeric and graphical skills.
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.
AS Course
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 units, Unit 1 and Unit 2:
• Unit 1: Global Challenges - In this unit you will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges.
• Unit 2: Geographical Investigations - This gives you an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including fieldwork. 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). All AS students will be expected to attend a weekend field course during the Lent Term.
A2 Course
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 units, Unit 3 and Unit 4:
• Unit 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?
• Unit 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
How will I be assessed?
AS (Year 1) – two units: Unit 1: Global Challenges 1.5 hour written examination, including a colour Resource Booklet, 30% of A Level
Unit 2: Geographical Investigations 1 hour written examination, including a colour Resource Booklet. You will be asked about your fieldwork skills in this examination, 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). 30% of A Level
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. 20% of A Level
Fieldwork In Year 1, Unit 2: Geographical Investigations offers the opportunity to undertake fieldwork when investigating the topics chosen. Fieldwork can be a great experience and allows you to apply your knowledge and understanding in a practical way.
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.
What can I do after I’ve completed the course? Because geography sits at the interface of the sciences and humanities, the subject can be studied in science or arts/social science faculties – leading to a BA or BSc degree. “The employment record of geography graduates is impressive, not least because of the emphasis which many departments place on the teaching of specific and transferable skills” (ISCO). It is these skills that interest a wide variety of employers. Geographic information is used in all kinds of business and organisations and the development of Geographical Information Systems has meant new ways of inputting, storing, displaying and analysing geographic information on computer systems. Geography graduates go into a wide variety of jobs, particularly into business fields such as administration and management, law, financial work and sales, marketing and buying. Information technology and organisational skills, acquired on a geography degree course, can be very useful in the Civil Service, local government, town and country planning, commerce and industry.