Geography is a broad based academic subject that opens up many options for your future as it combines both the arts and the sciences. Studying the interactions between physical and human geography and the processes that shape our world. You will study the impact that humans have on our dynamic world and how this affects places in different ways depending on their resources, technology and culture. Geography matters and studying topics such as Health and human rights, regeneration and hazard mitigation will help to shape your view of the synoptics links or bigger picture from the views of the different stakeholders and players.
Entry Requirements: Grade 6 and above in GCSE Geography
Course Overview
Paper 1: Physical Geography looks at the themes of tectonic hazards and their effects evaluating how humans can mitigate these to reduce the damage caused. Students will further develop their GCSE knowledge of coasts as these landscapes are increasingly threatened from physical processes and human activities, and there is a need for holistic and sustainable management of these areas in all the world’s coasts. Two new units of Water and energy security are introduced where students will focus on not only the physical processes affecting the supply of these resources but also that insecurity is becoming a global issue with serious consequences and there is a range of different approaches to managing water supply.
Paper 2: Human Geography. The topic starts by assessing the impacts of globalisation and global interdependence which have continued to accelerate, resulting in changing opportunities for businesses and people. Students will focus on the impacts of regeneration and how places change over time focusing on our local area drawing national comparisons. This will be contrasted with examples from around the world. The human systems of geopolitics and superpowers linked with health and human rights will look at changing spheres of influence and how some benefit disproportionately to others.
NEA – Fieldwork investigation – students will undertake a minimum of 4 days fieldwork looking at both human and physical geography. Students will choose one issue to investigate and produce a written report.
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1 exam 30%
Paper 2 Exam 30%
Paper 3 Synoptic 20% (unseen issue in exam)
NEA (coursework) 20%
Careers
As geography is a broad based subject there are many opportunities for the future from careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change, to town planning, property, construction and business where a good understanding of global issues and geopolitics can support you. Many Geographers go onto study law, human rights or international relations or welfare and even if you wish to study medicine understanding global health issues and inequalities will help you. Ecologists, climatologists and many more jobs are open to those studying Geography!
What kind of enrichment opportunities are there?
Access to the RGS speaker and A level events. Our own humanities enrichment speaker programme. Local and national fieldwork trips both day and residential.
Homework /Independent Study Policy
Essays, regular flipped learning and personal study, revision for knowledge tests.