Geography matters. It matters because it’s relevant. Geography’s relevance stems from the fact that it can lie at the heart of government policy-making, as well as affecting the way we live our everyday lives. It considers some of the most critical issues affecting the planet today, such as population growth, globalisation and environmental degradation. To understand geography is to understand your world. Geography appeals to people who: • Have an interest in the world around them and how it ‘works’ • Want to investigate how humans use (and abuse) their environment • Are interested in how humans interact with each other around the world • Want to look at vital issues affecting us all, such as sustainability and the environment • Enjoy investigating and analysing information • Want to develop a wide range of skills, including fieldwork The OCR Geography A level is the study of 7 topics and issues covering both human and physical geography. For the full A-level qualification students will take 3 exams and complete coursework. Topic Five: Global Migration and Human Rights This topic allows students to explore the processes and flows that occur at the global levels and how these influence people, places and institutions. The study of two themes – global systems and global governance – enables students to investigate how these shape relationships between citizens, states and organisations around the world. Topic Six: Hazardous Earth Debate is a key element of geography. This topic involves in-depth research and study into the issues that affect the world most. Every year natural disasters affect one in thirty people on Earth. Whether developing or industrialised, all nations are at risk. This topic enables students to explore tectonic hazards. Students will study plate tectonic theory and its associated evidence and discuss the main hazards created by volcanic and seismic activity. Topic Seven: Exploring Oceans This diverse and captivating topic allows students to understand the complexities of our oceans. It combines physical geographical elements as well as human elements, allowing students with affinities for each field to thrive and enjoy their learning. Oceans are home to important resources such as tidal energy, food and nonrenewable fuel sources. But they are under threat from the effects of climate change and an increasing human population, such as through acidification and pollution. Students will study these effects and how best we can manage them, to protect our oceans from harmful change. They will also uncover the history of oceans and their importance in trade and migration.