Geography
Welcome to Geography in the Sixth Form at CHS
Hello! I am Gabby Cohen , Head of Geography, and I'm delighted to welcome you the Geography Department's section of the website.
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The A-level Geography specification is engaging, relevant and offers you opportunities to explore a range of geographical systems, environments, issues and hazards you haven't yet had the opportunity to study.
The biggest difference between studying Geography at GCSE and in the Sixth Form is that you get to adopt a more critical approach during lessons. You'll move away from simply accepting material as uncontested fact, just as you have done through your GCSE, and debating the truth of the material you are being presented with and an examination of the reliability of sources and evidence.
Don't let the thought of climbing the geography stairs for another two years put you off studying the subject that tackles the critical issues facing the world today.
"Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems"
Sir Michael Palin
- former President of the Royal Geographical Society
- former President of the Royal Geographical Society
"I really enjoyed the challenge of studying Geography in the Sixth Form, I'd recommend it to anyone."
Kane, class of 2017
"My favourite topics have been those we didn't cover at GCSE. They've taught us about the real world, outside of the CHS bubble and we get the opportunity to learn from different perspectives."
Harry, class of 2021
Wise words from Old Wacs
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Mrs Cohen - Class of 2014
Former-Head Girl and now I am Head of Geography at CHS!
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Ollie - Class of 2019
Ollie is starting his third year studying Geography at university.
AQA
We have selected syllabus content which builds on our GCSE specification whilst avoiding repetition of previously studied topics, a feature which is appreciated by our geographers. This also enables us to foster genuine interest in and enjoyment of the subject. By having the opportunity to study a wide breadth and depth of content we guarantee you will leave CHS with a very clear understanding of the world in which you live.
Paper 1
Water and carbon cycles
Hot desert systems and landscapes
Hazards
Paper 2
Global systems and global governance
Changing places
Population and the environment
Component 3 - coursework
Geography fieldwork investigation
One of the things I really like about Geography is that you study completely new topics in the Sixth Form.
Harry, class of 2021
"Never has Geography been so important."
Nick Crane - President of the Royal Geographical Society
Are there any GCSE requirements?
- You will ideally have achieved a grade 7 or higher in GCSE Geography. Having said that, a few years ago one geographer, who attained a B at GCSE (equivalent to a 6), gained a D2 (equivalent to an A*) through sheer hard work and determination.
- You should be comfortable writing essays and have a reasonable level of mathematical ability.
- You should be prepared to read a quality newspaper (and not just the Sport Section!)
- Crucially, must be interested in what is happening globally.
Is there any coursework?
Yes! Your NEA is an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. Your chosen investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by you and can be relating to any part of the specification content. Your final piece of coursework will be 3,000-4,000 words long and is worth 20% of your overall A level.
What subject combinations do you recommend?
Geography is unique in that it spans both the arts and sciences, it therefore compliments and supports almost any subject combination. From essay writing in History, Psychology and English Language to mathematical and graphical skills of enquiry in Maths and Biology.
Our geographers study a whole wide range of different subjects, below is a list of subject combinations taken by students over the last few years.
Geography - Maths - Physics - EPQ
Geography - Biology - Chemistry - EPQ
Geography - Maths - Economics - History
Geography - Economics - Business studies - Core maths
Geography - Biology - Maths - Psychology
Geography - Art - Core maths - Business Studies
Geography - German - Spanish - Psychology
Geography - Business Studies - Chemistry - Maths
Geography - Psychology - English - Language - EPQ
What careers are available to me if I have a Geography degree?
As a degree subject, geography is highly respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It’s often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do.
Employers seek a mixture of skills, qualifications and experience when they recruit for a post. The transferable skills you will develop whilst studying geography will make you in demand as a graduate.
You will also be in demand for the specific skills and understanding that being a geographer helps you to develop, including:
Scientific and lab skills
Producing and interpreting maps
Research and interpretation of data, including GIS skills
Debate and enquiry
Environmental and social awareness
Team-based project work
Fieldwork techniques
Jobs that directly relate to a geography degree:
Cartographer
Commercial/residential surveyor
Environmental consultant
Geographical information systems officer
Planning and development surveyor
Secondary school teacher
Town planner
Jobs where a geography degree would be useful:
Astronomer
International aid/development worker
Landscape architect
Logistics and distribution manager
Market researcher
Nature conservation officer
Political risk analyst
Sustainability consultant
Tourism officer
Transport planner
The Geography Team
Mrs Gabby Cohen (Head of Department) - gabbycohen@chschool.co.uk
Mrs Corrie Shallcross
Mr Andrew Cawtherley
Mr James Jennings
Please contact Mrs Cohen(gabbycohen@chschool.co.uk) if you have any questions about Geography .