A/AS Geography

A/AS Geography

What is Geography?
Geography is a demanding, yet exciting subject dealing with matters that concern each and every one of us. Prepare to work diligently over the two years; to secure high grades. It will involve you in understanding the relationship between people, places and the environment. There is an emphasis and expectation on students taking responsibility in developing the topics further.

Geography has the advantage of being a science and an art. It raises concerns, which might be considered part of social sciences, yet it has a scientific slant. The emphasis is on managing Physical and Human Environments. Field investigations are an essential part of the course.

The A2 course progresses on to Global Issues covering optional topics related to the Environment (Hazards) and Economic issues (Population, Globalisation and Development). There is an opportunity for a further Geographical Investigation of your choice which will be externally tested.

Is Geography suitable for me?
The subject is suitable for someone who has a genuine interest in global issues at all levels from local to international. You need to have a willingness to understand how the natural world â€-works†and what part we, as individuals, play in this global closed system!

Below are some students- comments on the course:

-I love geography because we can change the world for the good.-Amy Wood

-Geography is everything that matters.-Katie Whicher

-Where would we be without Geography?- Tom Cox

How will I learn?
The course is carefully structured and with time you will be given more responsibility for managing your learning. There is every opportunity for students to develop the topics in great depth. In Physical Geography there is a great deal to understand and will require taking notes and writing essays. There will be a need to interpret maps and data.

In Human Geography there will be learning through discussions, topics to explore and classroom presentations to prepare. Staff support your quest to learn at every stage.

You will be expected to play your part by working 4/5 hours per week outside of classroom teaching. There is considerable research work to be done, especially at A2. There is a faculty workroom with computers for your use, as well as computers in the geography classrooms. There are student resources through the local computer network.

Fieldwork:
At AS Level there will be several visits to investigate the local Physical and Human aspects of the subject. A visit to Hayling Island and another one to Southampton will encourage you to set yourself realistic goals for successful enquiries for your own chosen areas of study.

There may arise optional opportunities to carry out fieldwork in St. Ives, Cornwall, Berlin, Germany and Western Cape, South Africa for your second year work.

How will I be assessed? AS Level (2 examinations):
Managing Physical Environment (Coasts or Rivers and Hot or Cold Environments) AS - 50% (25% of A level) 1.5hrs written paper

Managing Change in Human Environment (Urban or Rural Change and Energy Issues or Growth of Tourism) AS - 50% (25% of A level) 1.5hrs written paper

A2 Level (2 examinations):
Global Issues (Environmental and Economic Issues) synoptic paper 30% of A level 2hrs written paper

Geographical Skills synoptic paper 20% of A level 1.5hrs written paper, partly based on candidates†own investigation/research

Progression
Many Geographers study Geography or related subjects at university. It is also a subject accepted to gain entry into the world of Business, Science, and Technology and beyond! Geography opens up a wide range of job opportunities, e.g. travel writer, diplomat, disaster manager, regional developer, surveyor, civil engineer, etc. We have students who have progressed to Oxbridge, studied Geography to doctorate level and enjoyed Earth Sciences courses.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbook, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential: Textbook and Course Booklets £50(AS £25; A2 £25)

AS Fieldwork: £20

A2 Fieldwork: £25

Recommended: Magazine subscription £12.95

Proposed Optional Residential Field Trips (approximate)

• St Ives, Cornwall 2/3 nights £175
• Morocco or/and Italy £800
• Western Cape, South Africa 10 days £1,300

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: OCR H083/H483

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