A Level Geography covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. It will also, importantly, show the applied side of the subject – how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. This is complex and dynamic and varies from place to place depending on people’s resources, technology and culture. There is plenty of room for discussion and extended research which will help you become an independent thinker and learner. By the time you get to your exams, you will be able to show your understanding of a range of opinions and be able to illustrate your answers with case studies from local, national and international examples.
You will learn in a wide variety of ways such as by using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos, videos, podcasts, as well as attending lectures and study days. You will be encouraged to frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and showing your grasp of complex issues through report and essay writing.
Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. You may already be thinking ahead to potential university and career choices so it is worth bearing in mind that geography is a broad based subject that really fits well for your future progression. For example, for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change, geography is an obvious choice.
Core Human Theme – Population Change
Optional Human Theme – Energy Issues
Core Physical Theme – Rivers, Floods & Management
Optional Physical Theme – Coastal environments
Geographical Skills – a thread that runs throughout each subject.
Plate Tectonics and associated hazards.
Ecosystems – change and challenge.
Unit 1 – GEOG 1 – Physical and Human Geography – 35% of A-level – 2 hour examination
Unit 2 – GEOG 2 – Geographical Skills – 15% of A-level – 1 hour exam
Unit 3 – GEOG 3 – Contemporary Geographical Issues – 30% of A-level – 2.5 hour exam
Unit 4 – GEOG 4 – Geography Fieldwork investigation – 20% of A-level – 1.5 hour exam
The A Level Geography students undertake fieldwork studies including:
- A visit to Malham Tarn in year 1 – 1 night residential to an area famous for its Karst landscape and stunning scenery. In these new areas you will carry out enquiries relating to issues in the world in which we live.
- Fieldwork visit (destination to be confirmed) in year 2 – 2 night residential.
Mr K. Croniken
Subject Leader for Geography | BSc Geography – Edge Hill University
I have had a passion for Geography throughout my time in education and my love for the subject developed from an early age. I find applying concepts to the great outdoors one of the strengths of the subject and this has led me to understand the landscape and the people within it. I enjoy travelling and have been to many exotic and far off places including Hong Kong and Bali. As a teacher I try to inspire the next generation of geographers and encourage them to see the world through a geographers eyes. I am a keen musician and play both the guitar and bass guitar. I support Manchester United and try to attend as many matches as possible. I also enjoy playing football.
Number of 2016 cohort of students predicted to obtain grade A* - C
Most students achieve their expected grades or above and many students move onto university.
Geography Field Trips
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