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.
Paper 3 (Year 13)
Hazardous environments
Arid environments
Paper 4 (Year 13)
Trade, aid and tourism
Disease and Geography
Harry, class of 2021
You will ideally have achieved a grade 7 or higher in GCSE Geography.
You should be comfortable writing essays and have a reasonable level of mathematical ability.
You should be prepared to conduct wider reading outside of the specification.
Crucially, must be interested in what is happening globally.
No - there are 4 exams which you will sit in the Summer of Year 13. All exams are of equal weighting of 25% and will be 1 hour 30 minutes each. There will be a combination of both short and longer-marked questions.
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
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
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.