Geography develops knowledge and understanding of both people and places. It encourages enquiry skills and, through the collection of numerical data, students process and present information to reach clear conclusions. Students also develop information processing skills, reasoning skills, ICT skills and creative thinking. Geography provides many opportunities to give consideration to local and global issues relating to citizenship and sustainable development.

What do students study?

In Key stage 3 students study the following topics:

Year 7: What makes great geography? Does Africa faces more challenges than opportunities? Why is the UK’s climate so varied? How is Asia being transformed?

Year 8: Are earthquakes more devastating than volcanoes? Why is the Middle East and important world region? What are the physical landscapes of the UK? How important is it to manage our use of natural resources?

Year 9: Is the geography of Russia a curse or a benefit? Could palm oil lead to the end of the Orangutan? Why is Iceland a popular tourist destination?

How are students assessed?

Students are assessed using a variety of knowledge testing and extended writing designed to allow students to show off their knowledge and great geographic skills.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

• Students wishing to study the English Baccalaureate pathway.
• People who like learning about their physical and human environments and are interested in issues facing the world today.

EXAM BOARD - OCR

COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Component 1: Our Natural World

Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural world they live in and why it looks the way it does. They study the rich diversity of landscapes and ecosystems which are changing through physical processes and human interactions.

There are four topics:

• Global hazards
• Changing climate
• Distinctive landscapes
• Sustaining ecosystems.

Fieldwork skills include understanding and applying specific geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to real-world physical geographical contexts.

Component 2: People and Society

Students explores the social, cultural, political and economic forces that make places unique, and how these change over time and space, particularly the growth of urbanisation and the challenges of feeding an ever-growing population.

There are four topics:

• Urban futures
• Dynamic development
• UK in the 21st century
• Resource reliance.

 

Fieldwork skills include understanding and applying specific geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to real-world human geographical contexts.

Component 3: Geographical Exploration

This component draws on geographical knowledge, understanding and skills that have been developed in components 01 and 02. This synoptic assessment enables students to demonstrate their understanding of the connections between the different elements of the subject.

Geographical skills:

• Cartographic
• Graphical
• Numerical
• Statistical.

This component includes a decision-making exercise, here students can become critical thinkers and develop arguments.

Assessment

3 x written exams

WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO POST 16?

A Level Geography, Environment Studies, Travel & Tourism and complement a range of courses through developing analytical, research and a variety of transferable skills.

FOR WHAT CAREERS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?

 

Introduction

Geography A Level provides a diverse and in-depth insight into geographical issues of our times. It develops research and communication skills and enables you to understand more about the world in which we live.

What do students study?

In Geography A Level you will study a variety of topics which will take place in the classroom and out on field trips. The topics include:

Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards - Tectonic processes, a study of the causes of tectonic hazards, the impact of tectonic activity on people, and responses to tectonic hazards

Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change - An integrated study of processes, landforms and landscapes. A study of one landscape system and the physical and human processes influencing change over time and space. Option 2b: Coastal Landscapes and Change

Topic 3: Globalisation - A study of globalisation, its causes and consequences for different people and places.

Topic 4: Shaping Places - A study of how and why places are shaped and changed, the meanings and identities attached to different places and the consequences for different people: • Option 4a: Regenerating Places

Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity - Water cycle, human and natural factors that impact on water cycling, consequences for water security and future water conflicts.

Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security - Carbon cycle, human and natural factors impacting on carbon cycling, the consequences for ecosystems and management strategies

Topic 7: Superpowers - Superpowers, the reasons for shifting economic and political power, the impacts of superpowers, influence of superpowers in governing the global commons.

Topic 8: Global Development and Connections: • Option 8b: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

How are students assessed?

Assessment is carried out through examinations only. Students will study a number of areas over the two years, leading to an A level qualification in this area. Areas to study will include: physical and human geography and issue evaluation. 20% of the A level marks are awarded for an independent investigation that students carry out.