A Level Geography

A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY

Course Outline

“Where we come from, what we do, what we eat, how we move about, and how we shape our future are all directly the province of the geographer. More than ever, we need the geographer’s skills and foresight to help us learn about the planet – how we use it and how we abuse it.” – Michael Palin.

The OCR A Level in Geography has been designed to give pupils the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to become engaged global citizens. Through the study of dynamic and contemporary content, pupils can understand and interact with issues that affect people and places at a range of scales from local to global – and all that is in between. Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject, ranging from the physics of weather to the biology of the spread of disease, the environmental aspects of population growth and climate change, the art of field sketching, and the chemistry of soil. Geography graduates remain some of the most employable. The skills, knowledge, and understanding gained during the study of geography are held in high regard by businesses.

Entry Requirements

It is preferable to have gained at least a Grade 7, or equivalent, in GCSE Geography but a pupil who has not done so may take A Level by catching up with the base level of knowledge over the summer before Year 12 and attending academic tutoring sessions as necessary. It is important that you that you opt to study Geography because you are interested in the subject, and you are motivated to achieve your academic potential.

Skills Required and Developed

Pupils will consider their own roles, values, and attitudes, as well as those of others, including decision-makers, in relation to themes and issues being studied. Pupils are required to develop a sense of place, ranging from local to international scales, and be able to evaluate and critically analyse spatial and temporal change. Skills such as mapping, graphicacy and quantitative techniques are developed.

Components

The Physical Systems component considers the interrelationships between the land, oceans and atmosphere to help pupils understand the processes, characteristics and impact on these landscapes and cycles which shape them over time and create a number of issues when attempting to manage them. The Human Interactions component investigates the actions, interactions and spatial patterns of people and places. Through examples and case studies pupils will explore a variety of contrasting places, unpicking the flows and connections that have made them what they are and the way in which global systems and governance have local consequences. Geographical Debates takes some of the most dynamic issues the planet faces and encourages pupils to engage with, reflect on and think critically about them. The concepts of inequality, mitigation and adaptation, sustainability, risk resilience and threshold underpin this component. Investigative Geography is an independent investigation consisting of a written report,

Beyond the Classroom

Fieldwork:

A Level Geography pupils are required to carry out 4 days of fieldwork during their A Level course, either for assessment in their exams or to support their coursework. The majority of the fieldwork takes place during Year 12. There will be a 3–4-day residential trip to the Lake District in March and two other day trips, visiting sites around Portsmouth and London. They will carry out several data collection activities to assist in developing their coursework investigation. In addition to these compulsory days, the department offers optional overseas trips to locations like Iceland, Tenerife, and most recently Sicily in October 2022. The trip in October 2024 will be to Switzerland to experience some glacial landscapes including the Grande Dixence dam, which is an A Level case study.

Enrichment:

University Courses and Professions that require the Subject

Pupils can go on to study Geography at degree level alongside some other progression routes such as ocean science, economics, engineering, architecture, forestry and geography, geography with Qualified Teacher Status, marine geography, international development, sport science, land economics, and also employment in the Armed Services and the travel and retail industries. This subject allows for a very varied progression route as it is recognised through its development of transferable skills. It is recognised as a science subject for courses where these are specified.

Student Profile

Isabelle Powell

Subjects Studied at Sixth Form:

Geography, Business Studies and Art

Destination:

University of Cardiff to read Environmental Geography