Why should I study Geography?
Geography is a challenging, exciting and rewarding subject that gives you a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us. Studying Geography helps you understand why people live where they do, how landscapes develop and change and how people respond to, and interact with, their natural environment. It can also be used to develop a wide variety of skills such as essay and report writing, statistical knowledge, IT and spatial awareness skills. Geography is an ideal subject if you have an interest in how the world works and want to learn more about your place on this ever changing planet.
What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1: Human and Physical Geography
Rivers, Floods and Management, Population Change, Coasts, Health Issues.
Unit 2: Geographical Skills
A geographical skills paper-based on the content of Unit 1.
Skills include: investigative, cartographic, graphical, ICT and statistical skills.
A2 Units
Unit 3: Contemporary Geographical Issues
An issues-based approach to contemporary geographical themes. Teachers will select 3 topics (possibly 4 to allow greater breadth of knowledge); at least 1 from the physical options and at least 1 from the human options.
Optional Human Topics:
Plate tectonics and associated hazards
Weather and climate and associated hazards
Ecosystems: change and challenge
Optional Human Topics:
World cities
Development and globalisation
Contemporary conflicts and challenges
Unit 4: Geographical Issue Evaluation
This unit gives you the opportunity to use the skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
What are the entry requirements?
Normal college entry requirements plus GCSE Geography grade C. However, we do welcome students who have not done GCSE Geography.
What skills do I need?
Good communication, (both verbal and written)
Numerical skills including statistics and analysis of data
IT skills including the use of spreadsheets and databases and the Internet.
How will I be taught?
A wide variety of teaching methods are used: lecture-style lessons, discussions, self-study, ILT work, online testing and group work. Reference material is issued in the form of CD-ROMs created by the department and containing text, animation, video and still images these are also on Moodle. There will also be at least one residential field trip.
How is the course assessed?
AS - One 2 hr one 1 hour written examination.
A2 - One 2 ½ hr one 1 ½ hr written examination.
What will this course prepare me for?
You may go on to study Geography at degree level. However, Geography is valued by employers because of the wide range of skills students are able to acquire.
Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.
What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable
Examining Board
AQA
Geography is for you if
You are inquisitive about the world around you and the environment in which we live; you enjoy practical work and have had enough of coursework (we don’t do it).
Geography is not for you if
You dislike exams, writing and are not prepared to work hard.
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