Geography A Level
Course Overview
A Level Geography investigates a range of current pressing global issues and looks at how society can mitigate against and have adapted to these. It offers a selection of interesting topics not covered at GCSE and is underpinned by the following four key themes; water and carbon cycles; landscape systems; changing places; global systems and governance.
The A Level Geography course is divided into two main branches; Human Geography which is a social science that studies how humans interact with the planet and Physical Geography which is a branch of earth science and looks at the natural elements of the world, including the atmosphere, land and oceans.
We are living in a globalised world where people, places and environments are increasingly connected and through which there is a rapid global movement of goods, people, and technology. You will investigate the social, political, economic, cultural and environmental consequences of this highly interconnected world and the role of global governance in regulating it.
Course Components
Year 1 Modules
- Coastal Landscape Systems
- Changing Spaces; Making Places
- Hazardous Earth
- Climate Change
Year 2 Modules
- Earth’s Life Support Systems
- Migration
- Human Rights
- Investigative Geography Coursework
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including:
- GCSE Grade 6 in Geography
- Or GCSE grade 6 in English Literature if Geography not studied at GCSE
Assessment
- 80% Exam
- 20% Coursework
- Exam Board: OCR
Subject Lead
Ms A Turner
Why Choose this Course?
You will have the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways, including using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos and documentaries. You will be encouraged to frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and develop a grasp of complex issues through report and essay writing. Fieldwork is integral to this course and will take part in at least 4 fieldwork days which will form the basis of your coursework. We also run at least one optional residential field trip; in previous years, we have visited Iceland, Sorrento, Barcelona and Cornwall.
Skills You Gain
Working both independently and collaboratively, you will develop valuable skills that can be transferred and used across other subject areas and in everyday life. These include investigative, graphical and statistical skills, as well as the ability to effectively research and present balanced arguments that demonstrate critical and scientific reasoning.
After Northgate
Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice as it combines well with both arts and science subjects. Students have progressed to study and/or have careers in a wide range of areas including, Meteorology, Climatology, Earth Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law, International Relations, Urban Planning & Architecture, Civil Engineering and Crime Analysis.
“The course is very relevant to current global problems, and I have become more aware of these and possible solutions to them. I now want to study Geography at university”