One of the good things about studying Geography at Ashbourne is that you will benefit from being taught by a teacher who is well traveled, interested and enthusiastic about his subject. The three optional units that you will study at Ashbourne (the geopolitics of energy, climate change and hazard impacts) have been chosen because of their topical nature. These subjects are engaging and allow for stimulating and lively classroom discussions. A wide range of visual and multi-media resources are also used to enhance learning, such as documentaries and other video clips, newspaper articles, interactive graphics and statistical sources. Students also enjoy the two geography field trips that take place as part of the A level course.
Geography encourages students to develop a deep understanding of the interaction of physical and human processes. It allows students 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.
Why study Geography?
Geography encourages students to develop a deep understanding of the interaction of physical and human processes. It allows students 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.
Which syllabus do we follow?
We follow OCR specification for Geography
How many units are there?
There are four units in total: two at AS and two at A2.
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Managing Physical Environments’. We study river environments, coastal environments, cold environments and hot arid and semi-arid environments.
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘Managing Change in Human Environments’. We study Managing urban change, managing rural change, the energy issue and the growth of tourism.
Unit 3
A2 unit 3 is called ‘Global Issues’. We study population and resources, development and inequalities, earth hazards and climatic hazards.
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is called ‘Geographical Skills’. This unit involves identifying a suitable geographical question for hypothesis, collecting and recording appropriate data, presenting the data and analyzing and interpreting the data.
How is each unit examined?
Unit 1
Students sit a 1 hour 30 minute examination. Students answer two structured data-response questions and one extended-writing question.
Unit 2
Students sit a 1 hour 30 minute examination. Students answer two structured data-response questions and one extended-writing question.
Unit 3
Students sit a 2 hour 30 minute examination. Students answer two questions based on sets of data and two essay questions
Unit 4
Students sit a 2 hour 30 minute examination. Students answer two questions based on sets of data and two essay questions
When do the exams take place?
AS students sit units 1 and 2 in June of the AS year. There will be an opportunity to resit these units in January of the A2 year. Students sit A2 units 3 and 4 in June of the A2 year.
How is the course structured?
Students study AS units 1 and 2 the AS year and units 3 and 4 in the A2 year. They will attend a field trip in the A2 year in order to be able to learn and practice the skills required for unit 4.
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?
Jerry Evans
(BSc Hons (Aberystwyth), FSI (City University, London) Geography (HoD), Business Studies)
Jerry has a degree in Geography from the University of Aberystwyth. He worked investment banking for many years, before completing his PGCE and turning to teaching. He holds an FSI and is a Fellow of the Securities Institute. He is also a member of the advisory board for the School of Management and Business of the University of Wales. Jerry is extremely well travelled and has visited almost every country on the globe.
Beyond A Level for Geography Students
Geography A level is a good foundation for many degree courses. It is particularly useful for students planning to study Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Planning, Social Anthropology and courses related to Travel and Tourism.
Textbooks
AS
Title - AS Geography for OCR Student Book
Author - by Dove, Guiness, et al
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-OCR-Student-Book-LiveText/dp/0435357530/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a
A2
Title - OCR A2 Geography Student Book
Author - Dove, Guiness et al
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/OCR-Geography-Student-Book-LiveText/dp/043535762X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276006728&sr=1-3 |
