Departmental contact
Mrs Wood – [email protected]
Examining board & Qualification
OCR – A LEVEL
Entry requirements
Please see current prospectus for further information
Students say
“Geography at A Level has been thoroughly enjoyable. Even though I am not looking into a geography-based career, I feel it has provided me with so much knowledge for life in a way no other subject has.”
“I have enjoyed the course and have been very well supported by the staff in order to make the most of my ability.”
WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?
Geography at A Level is very broad. It will suit students interested in science, maths, sociology, politics and those with a love for the outdoors and the environment.
From the BBC’s Simon Reeve, “Geography is the way ahead – the story of us and our planet.”
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
Geography is widely regarded as one of the most valuable subject areas. It ranks in the top 10 of most valuable degree subjects due to the huge range of skills utilised within it.
We will provide you with support as we go from literacy and communication skills, to fieldwork skills and report writing. You will also tackle scientific and mathematical skills along with developing the skills of using data, independence and teamwork, analysis and interpretation.
You will become a well-rounded individual through studying Geography.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
At A Level we cover a huge number of topics. Year 12 focuses on Changing Places, Making Spaces, Power and Borders, Migration, Earth’s Life Support Systems and Coasts. Students get to explore and apply their learning through various field trips. Starting with looking at a very new idea of why places develop, where we visit Sheffield in the autumn term of Year 12 to explore various parts to understand how the identity and character of the city has changed through time. Throughout the year students will be involved in visiting local areas to apply their learning on water and carbon cycles, as well as refining their data collection skills in preparation for their NEA.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Our second field trip in the summer of Year 12 is for you to collect the data for your independent investigation, where you get to choose the topic and title you focus on. This makes up 20% of your A Level, the remaining 80% is split between three exams at the end of Year 13.
WHAT ARE MY POST-18 OPTIONS?
Geography is one of the most transferable options for A Level, the vast array of skills we use will give you many options. At university common degree paths are Geography, Physical Geography, Human Geography, Geology, Environmental Science and Meteorology.
Beyond that the job opportunities for someone with a background in Geography are immense.
WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
There will be opportunities to attend seminars at external schools to build your knowledge and give you university-style experiences. As a Geography ambassador you will be able to use your Geography skills to support lower years during lessons and at other extra-curricular events, an excellent addition to any CV.
