/ TEACHING STAFF
Mr K McKenna (Head of Department)
Miss P Marcus
Miss N O'Hare
"Without Geography, you're nowhere. "
- Anonymous
/ DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION
01
Geography is the study of the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.
Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography).
Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of places and regions - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in human geography.
Geography provides an ideal framework for relating other fields of knowledge. Today geography is one of the most popular subjects at UK schools, outside of the subjects made compulsory by the Government such as maths and science. It is also thriving in universities. Geographers and geographical research outside of formal education – in the public, private and voluntary sectors - is also in a very strong state. Geographers are highly employable and work in a wide range of sectors.
AS/A2 LEVEL LEARNING
OVERVIEW
The interactions between people, places and their environment are at the core of geography.
This new specification has been designed to provide young people with the knowledge and skills they need to be independent and successful geographers in this rapidly changing world. It reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the subject, and the skills developed will improve employability across the physical and natural sciences. Positive attitudes and values towards the world are promoted, and throughout the course students will consider their own attitudes and those of others to the world around them.
Progression through the course is clear with the choice and depth of content making the transition to higher level study achievable.
SPECIFICATION SUMMARY
AS 1: Physical Geography – External exam 1 hour 15 mins, 40% of AS, 16% of A level
Topics:
1 (a) Processes that shape fluvial environments
1 (b) Human interaction in fluvial environments
2 (a) Global biomes
2 (b) Small scale ecosystems
3 (a) The processes that shape our weather and climate
3 (b) Weather in the British Isles
3 (c) Global weather issues
AS 2: Human Geography – External exam 1 hour 15 mins, 40% of AS, 16% of A level
Topics:
1 (a) Population data
1 (b) Population change
1 (c) Population and resources
2 (a) Settlement change
2 (b) Planning in rural environments
3 (c) Urban challenges
3 (a) Measuring development
3 (b) Reducing the development gap
3 (c) Emerging markets
AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques – External exam 1 hour, 20% of AS, 8% of A level
This unit involves collecting geographical data first hand through fieldwork.
A2 1: Physical Processes, Landforms and Management –
External exam 1 hour 30 mins, 24% of A level
Topics:
Students choose two of these four options:
Option A: Plate Tectonics – Theory and Outcomes
Option B: Tropical Ecosystems – Nature and Sustainability
Option C: Dynamic Coastal Environments
Option D: Climate Change – Past and Present
A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography –
External exam 1 hour 30 mins, 24% of A level
Topics:
Students choose two of these four options:
Option A: Cultural Geography
Option B: Planning for Sustainable Settlements
Option C: Ethnic Diversity
Option D: Tourism
A2 3: Decision-Making in Geography –
External exam 1 hour 30 mins, 12% of A level
Students develop decision-making skills in a real world scenario.
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
We have designed this specification to help learners develop: an understanding of geographical concepts and processes to help understand and interpret our changing world;
an awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economies, cultures and environments at scales from local to global; as global citizens who recognise the challenges and implications of sustainability; as critical and reflective learners capable of making informed decisions about
the world around them; as users of new technologies; and enjoyment, satisfaction and inspiration from their geographical studies.
Below is a list of some of the university courses that GCE Geography students have went on to study:
-
Geography
-
Environmental Science
-
Law
-
Law with criminology
-
Leisure and hospitality management
-
Medicine
-
Biology
-
Psychology
-
Civil Engineering
-
Business management
-
Music
-
Sports studies
-
History
-
Politics
-
Economics & accounting
-
Computing
USEFUL WEBSITES