Course Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE Geography (if studied) and grade 5 in English Language and Maths.

Introduction

This course will allow you to find out how and why the world we live in is changing. You will study a ‘People-Environment’ approach to Geography and an ‘Enquiry’ approach to learning. Over the two years you will develop communication, literacy, numeracy, teamwork and analytical skills as developing a balanced understanding of both physical and human environments.

What you will study

Dynamic Landscapes
-Tectonic Processes and Hazards (Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and secondary hazards such as tsunamis
-Landscape Systems, Processes and Change (Investigating glaciated or coastal landscapes)

Dynamic Places
-Globalisation (How accelerated globalisation results in changing opportunities for businesses and people)
-Shaping Places (Investigating places that are regenerating or are diverse in structure)

Physical Systems and Sustainability
 Develop an understanding of the following key physical systems and the challenges we face in managing their sustainability for future generations:
-The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
-The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
-Climate Change Futures Human Systems and Geopolitics
-Superpowers (How their pattern of dominance has changed over time)
-Global Development and Connections (Study either Health Human Rights and Intervention or Migration, Identity and Sovereignty)

Assessments

Three Examinations at the end of year 2 – 80%
Coursework to assess your fieldwork and research skills – 20% Coursework
-A 3-day field residential developing a range of data collection techniques in support of the coursework
-A 4000 word Independent Investigation
-You will show evidence that you have used data relating to a particular coastal, river, urban or rural environment / location

Course Support

-An established and well-organised department with a wide range of facilities and resources
-Regular assessments to measure progress and set targets for improvement
-Revision and assignment support through individual and group tutorials
-Students have access to a 24/7 Class Teams Channel which provides a range of support resources, from course content to university progression and careers advice

Enrichment Activities

-Lectures and Conferences at link universities
-Fieldwork at Sandscale Haws NNR
-Seminars and guest speakers
-National competitions such as ‘Earthwatch’ and ‘Latitude’
-A 3-day residential fieldwork trip based at the Castle Head Field Centre in Cumbria
-A trip to Reykjavik in Iceland visiting the surrounding landscape and landforms of this volcanically active zone

Progression

A Level Geography provides access to a wide range of careers and HE courses. Course examples include Geography, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Management.

Career Opportunities

Specialist careers include development, ecosystems and environmental management, land and water processes, cartography and computing, population, settlement and industry as well as tourism and recreation. The list is endless!

Videos

Former student Anna Roche talks about her experience at Carmel 

Further Information

Geography Course Leaflet

Exam board course specification

Geography field trip

 

What Our Students Say

I have really enjoyed studying Geography at Carmel. The dedication and passion for the students that has been shown from both Rachael and Kieron is truly inspiring and has resulted in the quality of teaching being unmatched. I couldn’t have asked for greater levels of personalised support throughout the course, being encouraged to achieve our best whilst also being treated respectfully as adults such as allowing us to ask for extensions on deadlines to balance our workload and allow us to complete work to a higher level as a result.
Geography has also been the subject within which I have connected with the widest variety of students, making and spending time with friends who are just as passionate for the subject, resulting in students actively wanting to spend time in the classrooms and engage with the wider geography of the world.
The course will help me on an architecture degree at university as it has given me a wider perspective on the physical and sustainable future of design that is becoming more prominent now and will be a key feature in the future of architecture.
It has also given me insight in human geography giving me perspective on the basic human needs and habits of a population which will allow me to think about the requirements of my future designs responding to people and their needs on a deeper level than other people will be able to.

Daniel Curran

Dan Curran A-Level Geography student