Geography has come a long way from the learning of capital cities and colouring in maps. This course examines the relationship between people and the environment. You will develop a critical understanding of some of the most pressing challenges facing 21st century societies today, from climate change to food security, poverty to piracy. Fieldwork is an integral part of the course and will be formally assessed as part of the course. During A level studies you will visit various regions of the UK to study hydrological change, rural settlement and glaciation.
Duration: Two years
Starting date: September 2019
Location: SRC Bede Sixth Form
You will study four themes across the two years which address both human and physical geography. Human Geography topics cover Development in Africa, Global Systems and Global Governance, and Changing Places. Physical Geography topics cover Glaciation, Carbon and Water Cycles, and Tectonic Hazards.
Learning will take place through group, independent and research tasks. Fieldwork will form an integral part of the course. Exciting peer learning and video feedback will be used as part of your course.
Assessment in lessons will be through both short and long answer essays. You have three papers at the end of Year 2 and one piece of coursework (worth 20%) to complete during the course.
To have achieved A*/9-C/4 grades in at least seven GCSE programmes, including GCSE English and Maths. It is preferred that geography students have at least a grade C/4 in GCSE Geography, however occasionally students study geography without having studied it at GCSE.
When fieldwork is undertaken you do need to have suitable footwear and outdoor clothing.
The subject allows you to use new and emerging technologies such as GIS to develop your learning. You have the opportunity to explore exciting fieldwork opportunities in the UK and beyond.
During the year contributions towards field trips will be required.
You may go on to study geography at university, however geography is also a very useful bridging subject between the social and physical sciences.
Geographers follow a diverse range of career paths – previous SRC Bede Geography students have gone on to study Physical Geography, Geography, and Geography and Geology at Russell Group universities.
- Fieldwork opportunities – the chance to undertake at least six days of fieldwork.
- Exploring 21st century issues – the opportunity to debate, discuss and examine issues that will face future generations.
- Using emerging technologies to further your learning – the opportunity to develop skills in GIS.
“Geography is something which opens your eyes to what is going on around you.”
“People joke that Geography is about colouring maps and naming places, however it isn’t about that. It taught me about how the human and physical world interconnect and our impact on the planet.”
“A subject in which is real world, real time, and ever changing.”
You can choose any combination of courses that you like, but we think this subject goes particularly well with a science or other humanities subjects such as history, sociology or law.