Geography

Exam Board: Edexcel Syllabus: A-level: 9GEO Consult: Ms Mulligan

WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? Geography is everywhere. The places we live or explore, the forces that have shaped our planet, the people we are connected to through globalisation of trade, what influences our cultural identity and even the reasons behind mass migration or global conflict. An understanding of Geography affords us an insight into the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. These processes are complex and dynamic, varying from place to place and often depending on people’s resources, technology and culture.

As a Geography student, you will develop skills in debate and discussion, as well as extended research, which will help you become an independent thinker. You will gain an understanding of a range of perspectives and be able to use real life examples to support your arguments. As a Geographer you will use a range of resources including maps, GIS, big data, statistics, media and your own primary fieldwork data in order to identify patterns and draw conclusions.

CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN Paper 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal landscapes and Change, The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.

Paper 2: Globalisation, Superpowers, Regenerating Places and Diverse Places and Health, Human Rights and Interventions.

Paper 3: A resource booklet will contain information about a geographical issue within a placebased context linking to two or more of the other content areas of the course. You will answer questions about the issue drawing on your synoptic understanding of the entire course, demonstrating your ability to ‘think like a geographer’.

ASSESSMENT At A-level there are 3 examinations and an independent investigation. EXTRACURRICULAR We run trips to East London, Sussex Coast, Slapton and Iceland.

AFTER ASHCOMBE It is worth remembering that Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. In the past Geography students have taken up a wide range of careers such as journalism, finance, administration and management. Others have gone into more directly related fields such as meteorology, conservation, surveying, resource management, civil engineering and town planning.