A Level of Geography encourages students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject. The content enables students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real-world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Students grow as independent thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of Geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments. The course offered is the Edexcel A Level. The A Level course covers a balance of physical and human geography. The key areas covered by the course are outlined below. Hazardous Earth The movement of the Earth’s landmasses presents hazards to human populations, often in dramatic and sometimes catastrophic fashion. By exploring the origin and nature of these hazards and the various ways in which people are affected by, and respond to them, students can engage with many dimensions of the relationships between people and the the environment they occupy. Global systems and global governance Greater connectivity between people, places and environments across the globe means that movements of goods, people, technology and ideas have become easier, and the systems which facilitate and direct these flows have become truly global in reach and impact. Students undertake a study of how global systems shape relationships between individuals, states and environments. They also investigate the increasing numbers of norms, laws and conventions that aim to regulate the consequences of globalisation on people, places and environments around the world. Coastal landscapes Coastal landscapes are dynamic environments that develop by the interaction of winds, waves and currents, and the sediment supply sourced from terrestrial and offshore sources. These landscapes are increasingly threatened by physical processes and human activities, and there is a need for holistic and sustainable management of these areas on all the world’s coasts. Both high-energy coasts (such as rocky and sandy coastlines) and low-energy coasts (such as estuarine coastlines) are studied. Changing spaces; making places Relationships and connections between people, the economy, society and the environment help to explain why places are constantly changing. In addition, the meanings and representations attached to places help to shape actions and behaviours affecting that place. Urban and rural regeneration programmes impact variably on people both in terms of their lived experience of change and their perceptions and attachment to places. Students undertake a study of how these factors (relationships, connections, meaning, representation) affect continuity and change like places and our understanding of place. Earth’s life support systems Water and carbon cycles are of central importance for human populations. Water and carbon are cycled between the land, oceans and atmosphere and the processes within these cycles are interrelated. Students contemplate the magnitude and significance of the cycles at a variety of scales, as well as consider their relevance to wider geography. Superpowers As the spheres of influence of superpowers and emerging superpowers grow they are frequently contested, resulting in geopolitical implications. The pattern of dominance has evolved. Superpowers and emerging superpowers have a very significant impact on the global economy, global politics and the environment. Students undertake studies of the geopolitical power held by superpowers and their influence on people and the physical environment, which can change rapidly over time. Investigative geography Students are required to undertake an independent investigation that accounts for 20% of the qualification grade at A Level. This investigation incorporates a significant element of fieldwork and provides learners with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and abilities, which are applicable not only to study in Higher Education but also within the world of work. We allow students to pick their title, and, within reason, their location too.