Geography

Students who study ‘A’ level geography have usually studied GCSE geography and have gained at least a grade C.  However, some students have not had the opportunity to study GCSE geography and we welcome them onto the course if they are keen to study the subject at ‘A’ level. 

Geography bridges the arts and sciences and fits well with a wide range of ‘A’ level subjects. It supports an equally wide range of careers and keeps your options open. It is often studied by students who wish to follow careers in business/finance, management, accountancy, tourism/travel industry, journalism, teaching, environmental science, town and country planning, law, air traffic control, landscape architecture, nature conservation, meteorology, forestry, banking, TV/Media.  

Further Information:

The A2 part of the course covers a wide variety of interesting topics in both Physical and Human Geography.  The Physical geography includes the study of plate tectonics, earthquake and volcanic activity, tsunamis, the formation of fold mountains, weather systems in both the UK and globally, tropical cyclones, storm events, climatic change and global warming. Human geography studies world cities, urbanisation and urban regeneration, the influence of trans-national corporations and types of international migration

Qualification: 
Geography
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 periods per week
Unit 1: 

 Physical and Human Geography (GEOG1)
 

The module is divided into two sections – Physical and Human Geography. Both sections are based on the study of contemporary geography and its relationships with human populations and the environment. It uses a wide variety of examples at a range of scales, from local to global, and looks at issues/problems in the modern world and the impact of these issues on the environment. Physical geography includes the study of rivers, flooding and flood management; glaciers, glacial landforms and the development of Antarctica. Human geography deals with global populations, population change and associated problems; different types of energy, the issues/problems and environmental impacts of energy production, including global warming. 

 

 

Unit 2: 

 Geographical Skills (GEOG2)
 

The module is concerned with the use and application of a variety of practical skills.  These include the following: the use of different types of maps, graphs, investigative skills, statistical skills, ICT skills, photographs, satellite images, geographical information systems (GIS) and the use of data bases.

 

 

What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 
Geography received an outstanding report at its inspection by the OFSTED inspectors. Their report stated that:
“The teaching in the geography department was ‘outstanding’ and ‘as good as you would see anywhere’. There was lively student-centred teaching, very good use of learning resources, including IT, and high standards of assignments with good handouts.”
There are excellent exam results in ‘A’ level geography. In the last 6 years the average pass rate for ‘A’ level geography is 100%. The last 3 years results are given below:
 
Summer 2011
The total percentage passes obtained by AV1 and 3Y6 geography students at Loreto were 100%, with 93% of students obtaining the top grades A-C (grades A-E are pass grades) and 13% gaining an A* Grade, one student gaining entry to Oxford University.
 
Summer 2010
The total percentage passes obtained by AV1 and 3Y6 geography students at Loreto were 100%, with 64% of students obtaining the top grades A-C (grades A-E are pass grades). 8& of students gained an A* Grade.
 
Summer 2009
The total percentage passes obtained by AVI and 3Y6 geography students at Loreto were 100%, with 66% of students obtaining the top grades A-C (grades A-E are pass grades). One geography student gained entrance to Cambridge university.
 
  • In the last four years, three geography students have gained entry to Oxford & Cambridge universities. 
  • The head of geography is an experienced teacher with over 25 years teaching experience. He has been a senior examiner with AQA for the last 20 years and for the last 4 years has been a Principal Examiner in geography with AQA.
  • All students will have the opportunity for: 6/7 days fieldwork in Derbyshire, Snowdonia and London, as well as local area studies.  In addition there are also a residential field trips to Malham in Yorkshire and to Sicily in Italy as well as frequent practical work in lesson time with use of computers with free internet access.
Exam Board: 
AQA
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements.