Geography A Level

‘The most familiar sheet of water, viewed from a new hilltop, yields a novel and unexpected pleasure.’

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862), U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist

Geography encourages students to develop a deep understanding of the interaction of physical and human processes. It allows us to appreciate how places, environments and issues change and how people respond to these changes. Furthermore it encourages students to understand how decisions are made concerning the management, use and conservation of resources. Good students of geography will clarify and develop their own well thought attitudes and values in relation to geographical issues.

Geography at Ashbourne College

Geography has recently undergone a resurgence of popularity as an A Level and is now a much more mainstream A level choice than it was perhaps six or seven years ago. The Geography department is headed by Jerry Evans who holds a BSc. (Hons) from Aberystwyth. Jerry previously worked in the City and is a Fellow of the Securities Institute.

Course Content and Structure: Ashbourne follows the Edexcel specification for geography. This specification has been approved for first teaching

Unit One: Global Challenges

In this unit you will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges.

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations

This gives you an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including fieldwork. You will investigate two topics in depth, one of Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts (physical geography), and one of Unequal Spaces or Rebranding Places (human geography).

Unit 3: Contested Planet

In this unit you will consider five key world issues and in the sixth topic discuss possible technological solutions to the problems:

• Energy Security

• Water Conflicts

• Biodiversity Under Threat

• Superpower Geographies

• Bridging the Development Gap

• The Technological Fix?

Unit 4: Geographical Research

This will allow you to develop further the investigative skills gained at AS level and prepare you for the demands of higher education or employment.

You will choose one topic from these six options:

• Tectonic Activity and Hazards

• Cold Environments

• Life on the Margins — the food supply problem

• The World of Cultural Diversity

• Pollution and Human Health at Risk

• Consuming the Rural Landscape

Courses and Careers arising from Undergraduate studies in Geography.

Students who opt to study Geography at A Level and perhaps at undergraduate level could undertake careers or courses in forestry, environmental science, civil engineering, surveying, mining engineering, geophysics or earth sciences.