Geography

Course summary

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? As the new A Level builds on knowledge acquired at GCSE it is a requirement that you should have studied Geography or Science at GCSE in order to undertake this ALevel. Equally important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. You will benefit from having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is going on! What will I learn on this course? The world we live in is changing and Geography aims to explore how and why. Geography is a multidisciplinary subject which draws on skills and understanding from a range of subjects. It can also enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team working, problem solving and environmental awareness. In Geography you will explore and evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues such as the consequences of globalisation and responses to hazards. The course is framed by enquiry questions that encourage an investigative and evaluative approach to learning. Geography A level integrates the assessment of geographical skills with knowledge and understanding encouraging you to make links between different geographical themes, ideas and concepts through synoptic themes embedded in the lessons. In Year 12 you will study an equal split of human and physical geography including topics comprising Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, Globalisation and Regenerating Places. In Year 13 you will study the content of four further geographical topics including The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security, Superpowers and Global Development. In addition to examinations there is also a new element to the A-Level – An Independent Investigation where you will have the opportunity to do an in-depth enquiry on any area of the course that has interested you. You will be expected to collect fieldwork data and carry out secondary research to complete a report of your findings. This coursework will require a high level of independent work but is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skill set. What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? As the new A Level builds on knowledge acquired at GCSE it is a requirement that you should have studied Geography or Science at GCSE in order to undertake this ALevel. Equally important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. You will benefit from having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is going on! What will I learn on this course? The world we live in is changing and Geography aims to explore how and why. Geography is a multidisciplinary subject which draws on skills and understanding from a range of subjects. It can also enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team working, problem solving and environmental awareness. In Geography you will explore and evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues such as the consequences of globalisation and responses to hazards. The course is framed by enquiry questions that encourage an investigative and evaluative approach to learning. Geography A level integrates the assessment of geographical skills with knowledge and understanding encouraging you to make links between different geographical themes, ideas and concepts through synoptic themes embedded in the lessons. In Year 12 you will study an equal split of human and physical geography including topics comprising Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, Globalisation and Regenerating Places. In Year 13 you will study the content of four further geographical topics including The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security, Superpowers and Global Development. In addition to examinations there is also a new element to the A-Level – An Independent Investigation where you will have the opportunity to do an in-depth enquiry on any area of the course that has interested you. You will be expected to collect fieldwork data and carry out secondary research to complete a report of your findings. This coursework will require a high level of independent work but is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skill set.