Geography
Overview
Geography is the study of the interaction between the physical and human environment. The syllabus is underpinned by sustainability. Local fieldwork must include visits to Alderbrook River and the CBD of Birmingham.
Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Changing Physical Environments
(i) Global climate change – its causes and impact on people globally and locally and how these impacts might be reduced.
(ii) Plate tectonic theory – a study of hazards associated with earthquakes and volcanoes and management strategies.
(iii) Hydrology – a study of drainage basins, processes, flooding and management.
(iv) Fieldwork Techniques – relevant physical geography fieldwork will also be tested.
Unit 2: Changing Human Environments
(i) Population – population change including migration and the challenges facing youthful and ageing societies.
(ii) Urban geography – urban environments, characteristics and processes from the CBD to the urban-rural fringe.
(iii) Rural geography – a study of the changes occurring in villages due to the changes in the use of the countryside.
(iv) Fieldwork Techniques – relevant human geography fieldwork will also be tested.
A2 Level
Unit 3: Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography
(i) Coastal Environments - the study of coastal processes, landforms and their management.
(ii) Globalistion – this investigates economic activity, trading and manufacturing around the globe.
(iii) Individual Research – individual research from literary reviews to primary data collection on a pre-set title.
Unit 4: Themes of Sustainability
Food, water, energy and cities will be studied in conjunction with the Brundtland Commission’s principles of preserving the planet and its resources for future generations.
Assessment
No Coursework
Examination (100%)
Examining Board – WJEC.
Special Entry Requirements
Students do not need to have studied GCSE Geography, but for those who have a grade C is needed. A grade C in GCSE English Language is also essential.
Prohibited Options
None.
Career and Progression Opportunities
A Level Geography can be accepted as either a science or an arts subject at universities. The skills developed are helpful in a number of careers including environmental, water resource and transport management, urban planning, and many IT roles requiring an understanding of GIS patterns.
Fieldwork
In Year 12 local fieldwork activities are part of the examination assessment. In Year 13 a local activity will be the focus of the Unit 4 exam. The local fieldwork may be within walking distance of the college or can be accessed by public transport. Residential fieldwork is not compulsory, but enhances the learning opportunity of committed geographers.
Teaching Methods
Includes structured lessons, group activities and private-interactive study.
Course Activities
There are local fieldwork visits, for which there is no cost, but the residential fieldtrips (either in the UK or abroad) can cost between £400 - £500.
Links to External Organisations
There are good links with several universities, particularly with Coventry University, but also with Birmingham and Aberystwyth University.
Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
Combines well with AS/A2 Geology. There is also the Extended Project course at A2, which enables students to undertake fieldwork on a topic of their own choice - equal to half an A2.
This information is correct for September 2012 entry.