Geography
Do you ever ask questions about the world around you? Are you interested in finding solutions to rising global temperatures, extreme poverty, or food insecurity? Many students choose Geography because of their interest in the content, others choose it to enhance their critical thinking and communication skills in other subjects.
GCSE
What will I learn at GCSE?
We study a mix of human and physical geography topics - from tectonic hazards and coastal landscapes to urban growth, climate change, and deforestation. Geography brings breaking news into the classroom and takes you outside to see change in action. Along the way, you will master skills in map reading, data analysis, and fieldwork investigation, which can be used as a building block for further study in the subject and also give you skills needed for success in other academic subjects or as you explore the real-world for yourselves.
How is the course structured?
Year 10:
Hazardous Environments (causes, characteristics and management of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tropical storms)
Fragile Environments (causes, impacts, and responses to climate change, deforestation and desertification).
Urban Environments (causes of urban change, challenges in urban areas and management of issues in developingcities)
Year 11:
Coastal Environments (processes, landforms, and ecosystems)
Economic Activity and Energy (economic sectors, global inequality and sustainable management of resources)
Throughout all topics, students develop cartographic, statistical, and analytical skills, transferable across and beyond the IGCSE Geography course. In addition, we complete two fieldwork projects: analysing city characteristics
locally in Bath in Year 10 and exploring coastal landforms in Swanage in Year 11.
How is the course examined?
Assessment is through two examined papers:
- Paper 1: Physical Geography (including fieldwork), 1 hour 10 minutes, 40% of the final grade
- Paper 2: Human Geography (including fieldwork), 1 hour 45 minutes, 60% of the final grade
In both papers students answer a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. Each topic includes an 8 mark question where students apply their knowledge to an unseen resource, in addition to one 12 mark question at the end of Paper 2 which fosters greater debate and evaluation.
A Level
Are you interested in how we find solutions to problem such as rising sea levels, declining birth rates or trade inequalities? Geography gives you the skills and understanding to explore your own answers to some of the world’s biggest challenges, blending ideas from both sciences and humanities.
What will I learn at A level?
Geography A Level offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of our world, exploring the relationships between physical and human environments and how these change over time. Whether it’s environmental degradation, migration or climate change, geography encourages you to explore these challenges from multiple perspectives. By analysing data, evaluating case studies, and debating solutions, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how interconnected our world is.
How is the course structured?
The Cambridge International A Level Geography course has two external AS papers sat at the end of Year 12, accounting for 50% of the qualification, and a further two papers sat at tthe end of Year 13 to complete the full qualification. Year 12 covers Hydrology, Atmosphere, Geology, Population, Migration and Settlement Dynamics. In Year 13 there are fewer, but more detailed topics, covering Coastal Environments, Hazards, Environmental Management and Global Interdependence.
How is the course examined?
Geography A Level is assessed through four written exams, two at the end of Year 12 and two at the end of Year 13. In Year 12 the majority of the marks are allocated to shorter answer questions (ranging between 1 and 8 marks) with one 15 mark essay in each paper chosen from a range of topics. In Year 13 essays account for a greater proportion of marks, with two 20 mark essays for each paper.
What could I do next?
Geography is a broad subject, spanning across the sciences and humanities. This subject not only broadens your knowledge but also empowers you to wrestle with real-world problems, preparing you to contribute thoughtfully to global discussions and solutions, helpful for a range of careers such as conservation, politics or international development. Many students go on to study Geography or related degrees such as Environmental Science, Sociology, Urban Planning or Agriculture, to pursue careers in a wide variety of areas.