GEOGRAPHY

What will you be study on the A level course?

There are two units in Year 12 and two units in Year 13, which are outlined below. You will be expected to work hard at all times, research topics, conduct further reading and develope a profound understanding of the world around you.

Course Structure

Year 12

Global Challenges which comprises of “The World at Risk” for Physical Geography (the study of Hazards) and “Going Global” for Human Geography (the study of Globalisation and population).
This is examined by one exam paper (1 hour 30mins).

Geographical Investigations again comprises of a Physical Geography element called “Crowded Coasts” and a Human Geography section called “Rebranding Places”. The Crowded Coasts course looks at the pressure on coastal areas and how they can be managed and the Rebranding part is about how urban and rural areas need to be re-imaged in order to regenerate and become successful.

The Geographical Investigations unit is partly taught through a residential fieldtrip. For the past two years this has involved a week in Cornwall that all students are expected to attend. Students then sit an examination on fieldwork techniques.
This is examined by one exam paper (1 hour 15mins).

Year 13

Contested Planet has a number of Human and Physical Geography topics included in it. Topics studied are varied and include “Superpower Geographies”, “Bridging the Development Gap”, “Energy Security”, “Water Conflicts”, “The Technological Fix” and “Biodiversity under Threat”. The focus of this unit is how we can manage the world to make it a better place for everyone.

Geographical Research is the final A2 unit and pupils are provided with a range of topics to research and work on. The unit is designed to prepare students for University. Topics that can be researched include: Tectonic Activity and Hazards; Cold Environments – landscapes and change; Life on the Margins – the food supply issue; The world of Cultural Diversity; Pollution and Human Health at risk; Consuming the rural landscape – the growth of leisure and tourism.
Students conduct their research individually and in groups and eventually sit an exam based on what they have learnt.

What can I do with this A Level?
A Level Geography is useful and relevant for many careers such as:

Agriculture
Armed Services
Cartography and Surveying
Recreational Management
Estate Management
Housing Management
Landscape Management
Teaching
Town Planning
Transport Management

Are there any specific entry requirements?
You must gain 5 GCSEs at grade C and above to study an A Level subject at Castle including GCSE in Geography in the higher tier paper. Students without GCSE Geography will be considered on an individual basis as to their suitability for the course.