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

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.

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.