Geography is the study of the physical and human world. It links these in space and time, helping us to understand how and why the world is changing and to respond more intelligently to what is happening around us. In a globalised world, geography is a relevant, challenging and topical subject to study.
The key geographical themes of physical geography: natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, extreme weather, climate change), rivers, coasts, ecosystems, rainforests and cold environments (the Arctic).
The key geographical themes of human geography: urban issues and challenges, population growth, our changing economic world, globalisation, resource management, energy issues, development and aid.
Geographical Applications Part 1 is an issue evaluation that involves an element of problem solving, testing candidates ability to apply their geographical understanding and skills to a real life issue. Part 2 is based on fieldwork and will test candidates’ general understanding of field work skills as well as questions about a piece of field work they have carried out.
In Geography we learn through enquiry so we expect a lot of independent work. However, we will help develop these skills over the course. We encourage team presentations and work to show a variety of opinions. We carry out some work through fieldwork and the majority within lessons.
As a department, we would expect you to have an interest in learning about our natural environment, futures of our populations, human landscapes, tectonic hazards and their impacts, and why our world differs in development, all along with an interest in widening your own opinions, presentation skills and decision making skills.
This unit covers all the physical geography and is worth 35% of your final grade. 1 hr 30 min Exam.
This unit covers all the human geography and is worth 35% of your final grade. 1 hr 30 min Exam.
This unit is a looks at geographical investigation skills including an issue evaluation, geographical skills and fieldwork knowledge. It is worth 30% of your final grade.
Studying geography opens up a wide range of careers, as well as being highly valued as a qualification by Universities and Employers. Geography develops a wide range of skills which can be applied to Further Education and Careers such as becoming engineers, doctors, lawyers, disaster management, architects and politicians.