It is expected that students will achieve an A* or A grade in GCSE Geography  in order to take this subject in the Sixth Form – a B grade is an absolute minimum. Geography is a highly popular and successful A level subject and many students go on to study Geography at university.

Why choose Geography?

Contemporary geography is a subject which explicitly engages with the relationship of human populations to each other over space and time and their relationship with their physical environment at a variety of scales from the local to the global. Geography is a most versatile subject that combines well with a variety of other subjects and counts as either a science or arts subject for university entrance. The broad nature of the subject will help you develop excellent, transferable skills for a flexible career path and as such those with Geography qualifications are in great demand by employers.

AS Examination

Unit 1 (GEOG 1)

Physical and Human Geography

Core topics:

Rivers and Flood Management and Population Change

Option topics:

Coastal Environments and Energy Issues

(2 hours: Structured short and extended questions)

Unit 2 (GEOG 2)

Geographical Skills

Range of graphical, map interpretation and statistical skills - based on the core topics of unit 1 (Rivers and Population) and fieldwork skills.* (1 hour: structured skills and generic fieldwork questions)

A2 Examination

Unit 3 (GEOG 3)

Contemporary Geographical Issues

Plate Tectonics and Associated Hazards, Weather and Climate

World cities and Development and Globalisation

(2.5 hours: structured short and extended questions and an essay)

Unit 4 (GEOG 4A)

Geographical Fieldwork Investigation

(1.5 hours: based on first hand fieldwork (Cranedale), students analyse and evaluation of own data and results in response to the exam questions set) The new specification introduced in 2008 has been designed to increase the choice offered to students, allowing for specialisation and progression to higher education and employment. Throughout the course, students are given the opportunity to develop a broad range of geographical issues and their impacts as well as develop practical fieldwork skills.

*In Year 12 there is a mandatory week-long residential field trip to the  Cranedale Field Study Centre in North Yorkshire which forms vital preparation for both Units 2 and 4. The centre runs tailor-made courses for schools specific to their own examination requirements. Costs are difficult to estimate a year ahead but will be about £400.

So, Why choose Geography?

…because it is dynamic, and relevant to YOU