Course information
Geography
Highclare School - Birmingham
01213737400
10 Sutton Road, Erdington, West Midlands, B23 6QL
Course summary

Learning in Geography is as varied as the subject itself. Students think, engage in debate, watch geographical programmes and research geographical issues. They carry out fieldwork so that statistical and fieldwork techniques can be practised. This has included trips to London, Manchester, Sorrento, Sicily and Iceland in the last couple of years, as well as paddling in local streams and investigating the changing characteristics of the local area. This new course requires a minimum of 4 days of fieldwork and may include a UK residential visit to a specialist fieldwork centre during the course and a series of more local fieldwork days. Students make use of ICT and map skills throughout the course; the iPad is an essential research and learning tool for every lesson. At A level the independent investigation involves research and fieldwork and builds on the skills developed in L6. Students follow geographical events and enjoy becoming knowledgeable about geographical current news events relevant to their studies. Skills learnt in Geography are highly valued in further education and by employers. Students develop and apply their understanding of geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret our changing world. They develop their awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economics, cultures and environments at scales from local to global. By studying contemporary geographical issues an appreciation of a range of moral, ethical, social and cultural issues is engendered. Students develop fieldwork and ICT skills to further enhance their studies. Geographers can discuss, research, think and analyse. Students can do almost anything with this qualification! It is studied at the degree level by many who are not too sure of their future career aspirations, knowing that it will keep their options open. It can be studied as an Arts or a Science degree and there are many different options available at the degree level. Careers include cartography, human resources, working in the energy industry, teaching, refugee advisors, charity work, forestry, meteorology, civil engineering, social work, estate agency, travel agency, law, banking and chartered accountancy. A recent study showed that Geography graduates had the lowest unemployment rate of any other subject.

Entry requirements

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Geography If students have not studied GCSE Geography, a discussion with the Head of Department is necessary.

How you'll be assessed

The course is assessed through two examination papers (each 2 hours 30 minutes) and a written independent investigation. Question types include data response, extended writing and essay questions. The course includes an even mixture of both physical and human geography. 80% of the A-level grade is from the two examinations, the final 20% is from the independent investigation.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionWest Midlands
Local AuthorityBirmingham
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form FeeUnknown
Address10 Sutton Road, Erdington, West Midlands, B23 6QL