A-level Geography at Harris Academy Orpington is a discussion filled and stimulating subject. Over the two years, Geography provides students with a dynamic, contemporary and exciting opportunity to engage with the world around you. Unit 1 – Physical Systems Unit 1 consists of physical topics such as Coasts (Year 12) and Earth’s Life Support System (Year 13). Topics for Coasts involve sediment cells, emergent and submergent coastal features and factors influencing coasts. In Earth Life Support Systems (ELSS), students will study the carbon and water cycle and how they are impacted by both physical and human factors. In this unit, students will develop the concept of landscapes further by explore how they can be viewed as a system, how features developed within their chosen landscape and the influences of both climate and human activity on them. Unit 2 – Human Interactions Unit 2 consists of human topics. Students will develop a bigger picture of how the world is shaped by humans, on various scales, from local and moving out to regional, national and international scales. Topics here are Changes Spaces Making Places, Migration and Power and Borders. The topic power and borders is a hot topic as the concept of geopolitics and global conflicts are splattered all over todays news and social media. This will naturally impact migration and may result in how a place or space may change. Unit 3 – Geographical Debates In Unit 3 there are many discussions on topical and in some instances controversial issues. Students study two topics in-depth; Disease Dilemmas and Hazardous Earth. This will enable students to gain an understanding of the issues and reflecting critically on them. The recent global pandemic has made this topic even more relevant to Geography and makes the topic of Disease dilemmas even more exciting for a sixth form students to delve into. Unit 4 – Investigative Geography For Unit 4, students carry out an independent investigation into an area of particular interest to them, related to any topic of the A-Level specification. They produce a written report of around 4000 words. Students at the end of this component should have an appreciation for research techniques, extended writing, independent learning among many other skills. A Level Geography is a means of entry to both Science and Arts courses in colleges and universities. Many employers welcome the study of A Level Geography. Specific careers involving Geography include Environmental Consultancy, Regeneration Officer, Government Policy Officer, Journalism, Tourism, Teaching and Surveying, Cartography, Banking, Town Planning and the Armed Forces. Concern for the environment has risen sharply in many walks of life. Geography provides a particular insight into work geared to the protection and appreciation of both rural and urban environments.