Geography

Subject Mission Statement

Geographers have potential to be well-informed global citizens, using their unique combinations of knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world. Geography helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed, and more responsible as citizens and employees.’ (Royal Geographical Society).

Overview

A Level Geography is designed to follow on from GCSE. The specification is divided into Human and Physical Geography, identical to GCSE Geography. The topics we teach are designed to reflect world issues in an everchanging world. The physical topics are Coastal Systems and Landscapes, the Water and Carbon cycles and Hazards, and the human topics are Contemporary Urban Environments, Global Systems and Global Governance and Changing Places. Students also have to complete an independent fieldwork investigation in which they must come up with their own hypothesis, plan their fieldwork and methods, and implement their study. This is to help students build on their independent skills in preparation for University. The two year course involves all students undertaking fieldwork in relation to processes in both Physical and Human Geography. The students will undertake four days of fieldwork during their A-Level course, both local and further afield, as well as our Iceland trip.

KS5 Intent Statement

The Geography Department at Highcliffe School follows the AQA exam specification. This enables students to broaden their horizons by developing their knowledge of places, processes and sustainability. This is achieved through an in-depth understanding of fundamental processes in physical and human geography at a range of temporal and spatial scales.

Students will be able to recognise and analyse the complexity of human and physical interactions at all geographical scales and assess the role these play in contributing to key world issues.

Students will be given opportunities to develop key transferrable skills that can be used post education, for example, becoming confident and competent in selecting, using and evaluating a range of quantitative and qualitative skills and approaches. For example:

• Independent, confident and ambitious Geographers who are able to set their own research questions and collect data to support their own enquiries (NEA).

• Analysing key sources (quantitative and qualitative) of information for patterns, anomalies and trends (6 mark questions across all units)

• Superbly structured answers that offer evidenced based opinions and come to reasoned conclusion (9 and 20 mark questions across all units).

Qualification Details

Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Title: Geography A Level
Qualification Specification Code: 7037
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the AQA webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:

• Physical Geography (Coasts, Water and Carbon Cycles and Hazards)

• Human Geography (Contemporary Urban Environments, Global Governance and Changing Places)

• Geography Fieldwork Investigation (Coursework)

• Geographical Skills

 

Possible Career Paths

Future Pathways: Geography/Geology based degrees, Coastal Engineering Planning, Environmentalist, Town Planner, Geographical Information System Officer, Meteorologist, Teacher, Cartographer, Tourism Officer, Transport Planner, International Aid/Development worker. The topics we teach will excite students’ minds, challenge perceptions and stimulate their investigative and analytical skills.

Who should I speak to if I need further information?

Mr D. Houghton