Curriculum
As a student of Geography, you will develop your knowledge of how physical processes and humans interact to affect locations, places, and the environment at local, national and global scale.
There are a number of key issues which face the world today, not least global warming, rapid population growth, diminishing natural resources and the related conflict and migration. The human race continues to rush headlong towards ever greater development and wealth, striving to capitalise on any form of natural resources often to the detriment of biodiversity and the environment.
As A-level geographers, you will be able to understand the causes and be able to explain the effects of these big geographical issues in the real world. Using a holistic, systems-oriented approach, you will improve your understanding of the ways in which values, attitudes and circumstances have an impact on the relationships between people, place and environment.
There is a Geography Fieldwork Investigation which is compulsory and involves four days away collecting data using a variety of fieldwork techniques. This part of the course will generate new knowledge about the real world, as you become skilled at planning, undertaking, presenting and evaluating fieldwork which underpins your geographical knowledge and understanding.
Progression
Geography is deemed as worth half a science A-level at university and is a facilitating subject providing the bridge between science, humanities or media subjects. Employers value geography students’ ability to collect data outside and to swiftly present and analyse it, going on to evaluate the findings to understand and be able to work on fixing the issue.
Careers
Geographers are good communicators with a range of transferable skills. They are numerate and good problem-solvers so they are highly valued in a range of careers. Typical jobs include: building management and surveying, environmental science and management; urban planner/ community development; cartographer; GIS specialist; climatologist; writer/researcher; teaching; emergency/disaster management; demographer; marketing; national park ranger; hydrologist; marine conservation; coastal and river management; traffic analyst; housing officers. Geography students have bright futures in a huge range of industries.
Entry Requirements
Students must achieve six GCSE grades or equivalent at 6,6,5,5,4,4 including Grade 5 in English and Grade 5 in Geography if studied at GCSE.
Assessment
The Exam Board is AQA.
Paper 1 – Physical 40% overall
Paper2 – Human 40% overall
Non-examined Assessment 20% overall
Opportunities for work related activities
Four days of field work to support the NEA, opportunity for additional day visits to a local area. In addition, there will be Geographical Association lectures given by university lecturers at the University of Bristol and further visits to and links with local universities.
