Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world’s current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.
Global warming, sustainable food production, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, the spread of disease, the reasons for migration and the future of energy resources are just some of the great challenges facing the next generation of geographers.
A knowledge of geography, instilled into me by two excellent teachers, has enriched my life and encouraged me to take on long and sometimes difficult journeys. Geography has stimulated my mind and given me the attitude to go out and see for myself, rather than be told by others.
Choosing geography at school can open the doors to a university degree, either specifically in geography or by combining geography with other A Levels to gain a place on a degree programme in another subject. An A Level in geography is recognised for its academic ‘robustness’ and, most importantly, it also helps young people into the world of work.
We know this is true because so many employers prize the knowledge and skills that studying geography can provide, be it knowing how the world works, planning research and report writing, working in a team, using new technologies and communication skills – and much more. You will find geographers working in a wide range of jobs, from the City to planning, working in the environment to travel and tourism, or in international charities or retail. Studying geography can help young people achieve careers that are professionally
and financially rewarding and also enjoyable.
Michael Palin, CBE
President of the Royal Geographical Society
Course overview for GCSE Geography: OCR B
The assessment for this specification comprises of 3 main elements:
A Sustainable Decision Making Exercise - a written exam paper of 1 hour 30 mins, worth 25% of the qualification undertaken at the end of year 11
Geographical Enquiry - a controlled assessment worth 25% of the qualification, undertaken in the first term of year 11
Key Geographical Themes - a written exam paper of 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 50% of the qualification undertaken at the end of year 11
Students will broadly be studying these topics in this order throughout their two years of GCSE:
Resources: GCSE Geography: OCR B
Information and worksheets used in class, along with additional support materials are available to all students via Google Classroom and Google Drive.
The course textbook is also useful in supporting students understanding and will be used to support learning in class. A few copies will be available in the Learning Plaza for students to use during private study.
BBC Bitesize and a wealth of revision apps are also available to support the Geography OCR B course.
Course overview for A level Geography: Edexcel
The assessment for this specification comprises of 4 main elements:
Unit 1: Global Challenges - a written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 30% of the A level qualification (60% of the AS) undertaken at the end of year 12
Unit 2: Geographical Investigations - 1 written paper of 1 hour 15 minutes worth 20% of the A level qualification (40% of the AS) undertaken at the end of year 12
Unit 3: Contested Planet - a written paper of 2 hours 30 minutes, worth 30% of the A level qualification undertaken at the end of year 13
Unit 4: Geographical Research - a written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 20% of the the A level qualification undertaken at the end of year 13
There is no coursework / controlled assessment element to this or any other Geography syllabus, although Geographical skills and fieldwork techniques are required as part of the Geographical Investigations paper.
Students will broadly be covering these topics in this order throughout their AS and A2 Geography:
Resources: A level Geography: Edexcel
Information and worksheets used in class, along with additional support materials are available to all students via Google Classroom and Google Drive.
The course textbooks are also useful in supporting students understanding and will be used to support learning in class. A few copies will be available in the Learning Plaza for students to use during private study.
A wealth of revision apps and revision guides are also available to support the Geography Edexcel A level Course. Students will regularly get the opportunity to attempt past papers, plus they are available at all times on the Edexcel website.