Geography
Sacred Heart High School
Course summary
Geography is one of the most exciting subjects to study at A-Level. We live in an interdependent world caught up in chains of events, which span the globe. We depend upon an increasingly fragile physical environment, whose complex interactions require sophisticated analysis and sensitive management. Climate is changing, the population is growing and resources are becoming depleted; there has never been a more important time to study geography. Beyond the Curriculum As well as the compulsory field trips which take place as part of the course, on occasion we offer opportunities to travel further afield. Furthermore, on a number of occasions senior girls have been involved in data collection and river clean-up activities with Thames 21 to support the local environment and community. The Royal Geographical Society is based in Kensington and offers a number of wonderful opportunities to students. As well as their annual essay competitions, through our school membership you can attend the Monday night lecture series. These lectures are presented by people at the forefront of geographical research. Where it might lead A-Level students are frequently very successful and many go onto study Geography or associated courses at university. The range of career opportunities and degree courses that Geography A-Level students can move into are both wide and varied. Geography is regarded as a facilitating and preferred subject by the top universities. Degree courses may include Geography and another humanities subject. Geography has the massive advantage of offering a wide variety of skills that employers look for. The range of job opportunities include the following: Banking, Accountancy, Surveying and Planning, Environmental Health, Geology, Geophysics and Engineering to name but a few. Why study Geography at 6th form? …because you want to develop and apply an understanding of geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret our changing world … because you would like to increase your awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economies, cultures and environments at scales from local to global …because you want to become a global citizen who recognises the challenges of sustainability for the future and the implications for your own and others’ lives …because it will help you to improve as a critical and reflective learner aware of the importance of attitudes and values, including your own …because you want to become adept in the use and application of skills and new technologies through your geographical studies both in and outside the classroom …ultimately because you are inspired by the world around you, and gain enjoyment and satisfaction from your geographical studies and understand its relevance.
Entry Requirements
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As published by the school
Essential: A strong interest in the subject. GCSE Geography 6 or above. Desirable: Participation in Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze level or above.
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Assessment
3 exams – Summer Y13 Paper 1 – Physical Geography 30% of A level 2 hour 15 min exam, short, structured questions and extended answers. Students will study physical topics including: • Tectonic processes and hazards. • Landscape systems, processes and change – Coasts. • The water cycle and water insecurity. • The carbon cycle and energy security. Paper 2 – Human Geography 30% A level 2 hour 15 min exam, short, structured questions and extended answers. Students will study human topics including: • Globalisation. • Diverse places. • Superpowers. • Global development and connections – Human Rights, Health and Intervention. Paper 3 – Synoptic themes 20% of A level 2 hour 15 min exam, short, structured questions and extended answers. Three synoptic themes within the compulsory content areas of the course will be explored based on a geographical issue within a placebased context. Themes include: • Players. • Attitudes and actions. • Futures and uncertainties. Coursework: Independent investigation 20% of A level, Written report of 3000-4000 words, 70 marks internally assessed. Students will independently define a question for investigation relating to content studied from the course. Students will individually collect data, produce a written report of findings, analysis and evaluation. This will require students to use both quantitative and qualitative data appropriate to their chosen focus. Compulsory fieldwork will be undertaken for 4 days across the 2 year course – this will involve a residential trip within the UK.
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