A Level Geography

Why study Geography?

A Level Geography is a fascinating course that covers a wide range of perspectives, from the local to the global. This means that A Level Geographers develop in-depth knowledge of the processes and interactions in the physical and human worlds that shape our Earth. This discipline suits those who are curious, who like to travel and explore, and those who wish to become more aware and engaged global citizens.

Learning in Geography is underpinned by a huge range of source materials: magazines, news media, documentary and film. Teaching is broad and varied and includes regular and routine practice of vital geographical skills such as producing digital maps, data analysis, planning and undertaking fieldwork and evaluating sources of information.

What will I study?

The OCR A Level course gives you the opportunity to study a range of diverse and exciting Human and Physical Geography topics, and to explore the themes and perspectives that link them.

Paper 1: Physical Systems (22% of total)

- Earth's Life Support Systems: the study of the carbon and water cycles and their interrelationships and impacts, as well as the effect of climate change on these.

- Landscape Systems: processes in the physical systems such as coastal, river, hot and cold environments, and how these environments differ in their character and distribution across the globe.

Paper 2: Human Interactions (22% of total)

- Changing Spaces; Making Places: this unit explores the economic and social processes that shape and change places and affect their progress or decline, typing together an understanding of changes in places across the development spectrum.

- Global Connections: this unit combines an understanding of the important themes of power, migration, human rights and globalisation in today's interconnected world.

Paper 3: Geographical Debates (36% of total)

Students study two of the following topics at depth and at a range of scales:

- Climate Change

- Disease Dilemmas

- Exploring Oceans

- Future of Food

- Hazardous Earth

Students also have the opportunity to design, plan, research and evaluate an Independent Investigation (NEA) of a geographical issue of their choosing, conducting and presenting fieldwork. (20% of total)

Geography Extras

A Level Geographers will have access to a wealth of resources and experiences to enhance their Geographical understanding. This will include access to geographical magazines and journals, talks from the Royal Geographical Society, and visits from speakers. To support students in undertaking the independent fieldwork element of the course, we will undertake four days' of guided fieldwork, including a UK-based residential trip (information and costs will be shared with students in advance).

Minimum Entry Requirements:

5 x 5s

4 in English and Maths

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:

6 in GCSE Geography

* Please note that Level 2 vocational courses are the equivalent of 1 GCSE and only 1 will be counted towards the A-Level pathway entry requirements

What can Geography lead to?

Geography is a broad subject that covers not only a wide range of engaging contemporary topics, but also a variety of skills. Geographers learn to analyse data, interrogate sources of information, research thoroughly and to plan and write extended prose. The study of A Level Geography can lead to university study on a wide range of related courses, from disaster management to volcanology; universities value the global perspectives that A Level Geography students gain. Traditional careers in Geography include the Law, public services, Geographical Information Systems, data analysis; careers in activism, campaigning and research are also popular choices.