Geography

Geography deals with what is going on in the world around us, whether that is an understanding of environmental issues and economic development or the steady erosion of landscape by rivers, sea and ice. We study the management of physical environments and how human activity influences physical processes, and managing human environments, which includes energy, global warming, the growth of tourism and managing settlements.

Exam Board:  OCR

No Coursework

The AS-level consists of two units.

Course structure

We follow the OCR AS syllabus. During the AS-level course you will learn about:

• River environments and how people affect them.
• Coastal environments and human activity.
• Cold environments.
• Managing urban and rural change.
• The growth and impact of tourism.
• The management of energy resources.
In addition you will develop skills, including:
• Gathering and presenting data.
• Essay writing.
• Synthesising material from the many different elements of Geography.

Fieldwork investigation

The study of Geography in the field is an important element of the course. Students need to be able to relate theory to real life. Most fieldwork is done locally, on short trips. These include such aspects as managing urban areas (London Docklands); a river study and coastal management.

The A2-level

The A2-level Geography course is an applied course, where we study environmental and economic issues. The environmental issues include earth hazards; ecosystems under threat, both local and national; and climatic hazards, including hurricanes, drought and global warming. The economic issues include such topics as globalisation, development and inequalities and population and resources.

Additionally, there is a geographical skills component which is woven into the course and is assessed separately.

Course structure

During the A2-level course you will learn about:

• Earth hazards: landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tsunamis.
• Ecosystems under threat.
• Population and resources.
• Globalisation.

In addition you will have to undertake research and develop skills, including:

• Gathering, analysing and presenting data.
• Essay writing.
• Synthesising material from the many different elements of Geography.

Fieldwork investigation

The study of Geography in the field is an important element of the course. Students will undertake a geographical research project utilising a variety of investigative skills. This work will be assessed in the examination at the end of the course.

Background needed

You are recommended to have GCSE Geography. It is also important that you have an interest in understanding the environment and current issues, that you have a lively and enquiring mind and that you are prepared to study.

The one-year course

It is possible to study A-level Geography in one year. However, the pace of work is fast and you will be expected to undertake considerable self-directed study. You must be prepared for hard work and possess a great deal of commitment.