Department of Geography

Course outline

 

AQA Geography Specification

We are pleased to be offering this Specification, as it is in many ways an improvement on the Syllabus we had been successfully teaching since 1993. The content has been decreased, allowing us to do a thorough job of teaching complex and interesting subjects and we have a lot of excellent resources, ranging from a study area equipped with textbooks, periodicals and networked computers to Interactive whiteboards in the teaching rooms. The focus is on change in the world we live in, and we have selected options to teach that are our specialisms and enthusiasms. Students can either follow a one year course leading to AS Geography or a two year course leading to A Level Geography.

AS Geography

This Advanced Subsidiary course is taught over one year and consists of modules one and two.

Subject content

Module One

This wide reaching module covers all aspect of Geography from Physical to Environmental and then on to Human issues. We will be looking at hydrology and the influences of rivers on the landscape, before focussing on flood management issues. In addition, we will look at Glacial Environments, taking you from the past ice caps of northern Britain to the present day glacial regions of Iceland, the Alps and Alaska.

As a balance to the Physical Geography, we will also study the core Human Geography topic of global population change, plus energy issues such as the impact of biofuels and renewable energy developments.
This module represents 70% of the AS course and is assessed through a two hour written exam.

Module Two

This is an Applied Geography programme of study which involves practical based skills such as research through fieldwork, cartography, GIS and ICT.
The module will be assessed through a one hour exam and represents 30% of the AS course.

Fieldwork

Although there is no coursework on the AS or A2 Geography courses, we will carry out residential fieldwork during the course in order to develop the skills necessary for Module Two (AS) and Module Four (A2). At present we visit Shropshire and north Wales.

A2 Geography

Having taken the first two modules in the lower sixth year, the students then complete their A-level in the upper sixth by taking modules three and four. These make up the remaining 50% of the marks available.

Module Three

Here you will study the dramatic effects of plate tectonics, researching earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami and the hazardous environments they create for people. To broaden your knowledge of Geopolitics we will look at contemporary conflicts around the globe including the separatist pressures which have led to those problems. Finally, we will study weather and climate hazards (including hurricanes) and the evolution of world cities.
30% of the total A-level marks, assessed through a two hour written paper.

Module Four

This is a Geographical Issue Evaluation which is designed to test a range of intellectual skills, knowledge and understanding. You will be taught how to establish criteria for decision making and how to critically evaluate the possible consequences of that decision. A superb taste of the skills required to succeed on university courses and in employment.
20% of the total A-level marks, assessed through a one hour 30 minute written exam (pre-released information allows for preparation before the exam).

Overseas Fieldwork

There are two compulsory fieldtrips, one in each year, plus an optional trip to Iceland.

The trip to Iceland takes place at Easter in the AS year. It is a ";once in a lifetime"; trip for many students and provides students with a wealth of new ideas and experiences, aiding their exam preparation.

Here is a PowerPoint presentation of the Iceland trip April 2007.

Entry requirements

GCSE Geography grade C or above is the basic requirement. It is possible to pick up the subject without having studied it at GCSE, but this would need to be reviewed with the Head of Department and your other GCSE grades would be an important factor.

What can I do with A-level Geography?

About 95% of Geographers go on from Greenhead to University, 35% to do a degree in Geography or a related subject. Choose Geography because you enjoy it, and this will help you to maximise your success. It is the quality of your results, not the subjects taken, that will open the doors to the majority of degrees and employment opportunities.

Geographers acquire a wide range of skills, such as the ability to analyse data, to write a report or to understand the attitudes and values of decision makers. Geographers are good at networking and teamwork, and this Department is at the forefront of using ICT in learning and teaching. Examples of recent student careers are Environmental Science, Law, Media Studies, PPE, International Relations, Biochemistry and the Parachute Regiment. The use of ICT based study guides enhances student centred learning and this sets students up for university life.

How good a Geographer are you?

Click here to try out some fun quizzes