Geography - A Level

What does the course aim to do?

“Where we come from, what we do, what we eat, how we move about and how we shape our future are all directly the province of the geographer. More than ever we need the geographer’s skills and foresight to help us learn about the planet — how we use it and how we abuse it.” – Michael Palin

Geography helps us to explore and understand space and place - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and exploring the links between them.

The OCR A Level in Geography has been designed to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to become engaged global citizens. Through the study of dynamic and contemporary content, learners can understand and interact with issues which affect people and places at a range of scales from local to global – and all that is in-between.

What will I be studying?

Physical systems

Learners will develop an understanding and appreciation of Landscape Systems, contextualised through coastal landscapes and Earth’s Life Support Systems, which encompasses the water and carbon cycles vital to our planet.

Human interactions

Learners will explore human interactions through the study of Global Connections, focusing on the systems of migration and the governance of human rights on a global scale, and Changing Spaces; Making Places, which gives learners an insight into the nature of places and the fluidity of their meanings and representations.

Geographical debates

Learners will explore in depth Natural Hazards and Disease Dilemmas which are two of the most challenging dynamic and fascinating issues of the 21st century.

Investigative geography

The Investigative geography component allows learners to undertake an independent investigation linked to any aspect of the specification to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. This component is designed to encourage learners to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their chosen topic whilst developing a number of geographical and study skills relevant to Higher Education or within the world of work.

How will I be assessed?

01 Physical Systems – 24% of the A Level 03 Geographical Debates – 32% of the A Level
02 Human Interactions – 24% of the A Level 04 Independent Investigation – 20% of the A Level

Am I suited to this subject?

Geography will encourage you to develop a sense of wonder about the world. Geography is potentially the most relevant subject for any learner in the 21st century and the OCR A Level in Geography aims to drive a passion and love of this dynamic subject through its exciting and engaging content. 

You should have an interest in the world around you and an awareness of human influence upon it. People often choose to study Geography as a complimentary subject to science A-levels and geology as well as humanities such as politics and history.

Where will it lead in the future?

Geography can lead to specific careers but it also provides an excellent general education and Geography graduates are in demand because their subject involves the acquisition of so many different skills.

With the growing importance of issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation, spatial epidemiology and inequalities, geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable and collectively receive competitive graduate salaries. Above all, geographers have potential to be well-informed global citizens, using their unique combinations of knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world.

How will I study?

You will have two teachers each with a background in either human or physical geography and experience a variety of lesson styles, from instructional to team games and group discussion, as well as independent research and getting involved on outdoor fieldwork lessons.

What will I need to do myself?

Be aware of the world around you, stay up to date with contemporary issues and follow the news. Successful students read around the subject and use this knowledge in lesson discussions and exam answers. Be an active learner and get involved in classroom activities as well as sharing your experiences where relevant. Communicate with your teachers and ask for support when you need it.

Why Should I come to Canon Slade to Study Geography?

The Geography Department at Canon Slade is well established and lessons are taught by an experienced, specialist teacher. Results are consistently ‘outstanding’ as teaching staff consistently go above and beyond to support students to reach their target grades.