Geography A level

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At the beginning of the 21st Century, with the planet facing a wide range of issues and challenges. Geography is one of the most relevant courses you can study. The interactions between the human and physical components of the world are extremely dynamic in both time and space, much of the A level will be building on current events, understanding and awareness of the world around us. Geographers learn about the physics of climate change, or the interaction of weather events and flood risk, or the way people’s behaviour is influenced by the space around them. Geography A-level is one of those broad-based subjects that employers and universities love. It is an interesting and varied area of study that brings together the diverse worlds of arts and science and develops both a valuable understanding of data handling and higher level thinking skills.

Coursework/Examination Requirement
3 examinations and a 4000 word individual investigation

A Level Course Content
Year 1
Area of Study 1: Dynamic Landscapes
• Tectonic Processes and Hazards - Tectonic processes, a study of the causes of tectonic hazards, the impact of tectonic activity on people, and responses to tectonic hazards.
• Coastal Landscapes and Change - Coastal landscapes develop due to the interaction of processes and Geology. These landscapes are increasingly threatened from physical processes and human activities, and there is a need for management of these areas in all the world’s coasts.

Area of Study 2: Dynamic Places
• Globalisation - A study of globalisation, its causes and consequences for different people and places.
• Regenerating Places - Local places vary economically and socially with change driven by local, national and global processes.
These processes include movements of people, capital, information and resources, making some places economically dynamic while other places appear to be marginalised.

Year 2
Area of Study 3: Physical Systems and Sustainability
• The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity - Water cycle, human and natural factors that impact on water cycling, consequences for water security and future water conflicts.
• The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security - Carbon cycle, human and natural factors impacting on carbon cycling, the consequences for ecosystems and management strategies.

Area of Study 4: Human Systems and Geopolitics
• Superpowers - Superpowers, the reasons for shifting economic and political power, the impacts of superpowers, influence of superpowers in governing the global commons.
• Health, Human Rights and Intervention –The impact of geopolitical interventions on both human health and wellbeing and human rights is variable and contested, with some groups appearing to benefit disproportionately, which can lead to increasing inequalities and injustice.

Coursework: Independent Investigation - A student-defined question or issue, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification that the student chooses.

Fieldwork: Fieldwork is an integral component of A level Geography and students must complete four days of fieldwork during the course. At the end of Year 12 we will offer a residential field trip to the Yorkshie Dales where a wide variety of geographical issues are investigated and fieldwork methods can be tried and tested. During Year 13 there is the opportunity to take part in a trip to Iceland. In addition to the two main residential field trips there are various other one day field trip days e.g. Holkham Hall North Norfolk – to investigate the Sand Dunes, London or Cambridge – to investigate urban change and redevelopment.

Staff Contact
Mr R. Jarrald (Head of Geography) - r.jarrald@wymcol.org

The College expects students to have GCSE Geography - minimum Grade 6. An interest and understanding of current affairs is useful as well as a desire to engage in discussion and debate.

As Geography can be considered as both a science and a humanity studying Geography not only gives you a good understanding of the world and current events but is highly valued by universities and leaves open many subject pathways for future study. Importantly the Russell Group of Universities names geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. Geography provides good preparation for a very wide range of related jobs such as planning, economic development, disaster management, geology, countryside management, oceanography, and many more.