AS/A2 Geography

Why should I study Geography at Cardinal Newman College?Students get excellent results and are taught by teachers with passion and enthusiasm of for the subject.

As well as up to date resources, you will hear speeches from visiting university lecturers and examiners as well as having the opportunity to go to the Geography Association lectures. Fieldwork will take place in the local area including a trip to the Lake District Field Study Centre. There are also trips abroad which have included destinations such as Kenya and Iceland.
What is Geography?
Most students will be familiar with Geography from their high school studies. A Level Geography offers students the opportunity not only to enhance their geographical knowledge but to develop a wide range of essential skills such as cartography, numeracy, literacy, research and decision making.
What topics will I study?
In the first year the topics covered will include:

· Unit 1: Physical and Human you will study aspects of both physical and human geography. On the physical side students will study rivers and floods, cold environments and costal environments. In terms of human geography you will study global population change as well as issues relating to food supply, health and energy.

· Unit 2: Applied Geography This unit will assess a range of geographical skills relating to Unit 1 and to a piece of fieldwork investigation.

In the second year you will study:

· Unit 3: Contemporary Geographical Issues This unit will include three topics from the following list: plate tectonics and associated hazards, major climate controls, challenges facing ecosystems, world cities, development and globalisation, contemporary conflicts and challenges.

· Unit 4: Geographical Issues Evaluation Students will be assessed on their ability to evaluate and research a chosen geographical topic from some pre released material.

Is there any Coursework?
There is no coursework. Unit 2 Applied Geography has taken the place of the traditional coursework investigation.
Is there any practical work?
Yes. There will be a number of day and residential fieldwork visits, where classroom study will be reinforced by observations in the field.
Progression
Geography is useful to any student who wishes to study the subject or other earth sciences at university level. The skills development emphasis makes this course suitable for students with a wide range of higher education aspirations or who wish to follow a career in any land based industry, such as conservation, land management or surveying. Students studying mainly humanities subjects find that Geography gives them a scientific background to their studies, whilst scientists enjoy the social science emphasis of this subject. Employers value the research and problem solving skills that are developed along with the ability to write reports. It leads to study at higher education and many jobs in the science and environmental sectors.