Geography

As geographers, students will explore the Earth’s physical properties and the human societies that have spread across it!

They will also examine how human culture interacts with the natural environment and the way those locations and places can have an impact on people. Geography seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop and change over time. Put simply, it is the study of everything around us!

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Geography AS and A Level

Geography for Key Stage 5 (AS and A Level) allows students to interact, in greater detail, with the issues of the surrounding world and the issues within it. Students will develop an important understanding of what is happening around them, in a fun and exciting way.

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In Year 12, we study two units:

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Unit 1: Global Challenges

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations. The first unit is made up of the topics - World at risk and Going global. In the second unit we will take a closer look at how physical and human issues influence lives and can be managed, on a local scale. There are two compulsory topics that form the second unit; Crowded Coasts and Urban Problems, Planning and Regeneration.

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Students are expected to take part in two fieldwork investigations that link with their course. The exams will consist of two papers which involve a mix of shorter questions and some that require longer essay type responses. The first paper will be based on Unit 1 and the second on Unit 2. Students are expected to use their gained knowledge and develop their arguments and opinions.

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In Year 13, students will be expected to take a more in depth approach to the subject. This year students will study two further units:

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Unit 3: Contested Planet

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Unit 4: Researching Geography

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Unit 3 consists of a number of compulsory and optional topics, including:

• Atmosphere and Weather Systems

• Biodiversity Under Threat

• Energy Security

• Water Conflicts

• Superpower Geographies

• Bridging the Development Gap

Unit 4 will require students to take part in an extended research project, choosing one topic of interest, either physical or human. They are expected to use a range of secondary sources to help them write an extended essay on the topic of their choice.

Why study Geography?
Geography is an interesting and diverse subject, allowing students to develop their understanding of the world around them. Students will learn how to develop arguments, undertake research and investigate different topics. It provides students with the essential skills needed to succeed in university and the wider world.