Geography

Course summary

The new A Level is a linear course spanning 2 years that looks at a range of contemporary topics and issues that are assessed in 2 exam papers, Physical Geography and Human Geography. There is also an independent piece of course work to complete (4000 words on a geographical question of students choosing) which is teacher assessed and sampled by the exam board. The areas of study for Physical geography include the water and carbon cycles as natural systems, associated issues and threats such as flooding and deforestation, and the impact on the processes of climate change; Coastal systems, processes, landforms and the issue of coastal zone management; and the nature, impact and management of various natural hazards (volcanic, seismic, atmospheric cyclones). The areas of study for Human Geography are global systems and governance (globalisation); Changing Places with a focus on distinguishing between clearly contrasting local and distant places (endogenous and exogenous factors); and population and the environment. This section explores the relationships between key aspects of physical geography and population numbers, population health and well-being, levels of economic development and the role and impact of the natural environment. In addition to written exams, students are required to undertake a geographical investigation that requires fieldwork and the collection of data in order to answer a key question or hypothesis defined by the candidate in relation to the course specification. This will normally be undertaken at a Field Studies Council centre, where they have years of expertise and the necessary resources to maximise our student’s learning. This is a residential experience to define the question and undertake the primary data collection.