These distinct and complementary subjects enable you to appreciate the complex nature and diversity of today’s modern society. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the internal and external forces that shapes our lives and determine our life chances. As part of your studies you’ll assess the merits of competing theories and explanations. Your understanding will be enhanced by our links with highly renowned academics and via the additional enrichment activities on offer. Teachers within the department come from a variety of backgrounds and specialisms, bringing an often unique quality to their teaching. Having high standards and expectations means that each individual in their care is guided to achieve to the best of their ability

Geography is a discipline that in one way or another relates to everyone both in understanding the physical world and what we do in it. The focus of the Edexcel specification is to develop an enthusiasm for, and competence in, geography by using contemporary real-world contexts, across a range of specified spatial and temporal scales, and through engagement with practical application of geographical skills and techniques in the field.

The subject content focuses on the dynamic nature of physical systems and processes in the real world, and on the interactions and connectivity between people, places and environments in both time and space. It draws on both physical and human geography, explores people-environment interactions and encourages development of fieldwork at the local level to enable learners to pose enquiry questions. All themes integrate geographical skills, scale and specialised concepts.

5 or more GCSES, graded 4 or above including English & Maths.
You do not need to have any prior knowledge of the subject nor have studied it at GCSE level. If you have studied Geography at GCSE you must have at least a grade 4, if you have not studied Geography GCSE you will need grade 4 in at least two sciences or double science.

Those who study Geography will develop the following skill sets:

• Develop their extended writing skills to present evaluative arguments
• Become confident and competent in selecting, using and evaluating a range of quantitative and qualitative skills and approaches
• Develop as critical and reflective learners
• Be able to articulate opinions, suggest relevant new ideas and provide evidenced argument in a range of situations.
• Manage an independent research project, drawing conclusions and evaluating their work.

80% examination taken at the end of the second year. 20% individual fieldwork based coursework project completed in the second year.

• Component One – Changing Landscapes (Coasts) and Changing Places This includes the study of coastal landscapes developed by the interaction of winds, waves and currents and the sediment supply from terrestrial and offshore sources. Changing Places focuses on places and their dynamic characteristics. This component looks at knowledge and understanding of processes and systems at the local level, and incorporates several days’ fieldwork.
• Component Two – Global Systems (Water and Carbon Cycle), Global Governance (Ocean Governance and Migration) and 21st Century Challenges. Global Systems provides learners with an understanding of the key role played by the carbon and water cycles in supporting life on Earth while Global Governance considers the current challenges and complexities of ocean governance and migration on a global scale. 21st century challenges focuses on students being able to draw several themes of geography together to look at current issues in the World.
• Component Three – Contemporary Themes in Geography includes Tectonic Hazards and two optional themes from a selection of four which are 1.Ecosystems 2.Economic Growth and Challenge: India or China or Development in an African Context 3. Energy Challenges and Dilemmas 4. Weather and Climate. Currently we study Ecosystems and Africa. These contemporary themes allow the student to explore ideas in more depth, developing the ability to evaluate arguments and develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of physical and human processes, their linkages and the inter-relationships between people and the environment.
• Component Four – Non-examined Assessment This is teacher assessed and is one written independent investigation (3000 to 4000 words) based on the students own data collection. It is worth 20% of the A level. It requires reflective, extended written research, and allows the student to research an area of their own choice and interest linked to the specification.

Most of the teaching and learning equipment such as handouts, worksheets, exam questions and folders will be provided on the course and covered by the general course cost. You will need basic equipment such as a calculator, protractor, highlighter pens etc. You are strongly advised to purchase a recommended text. (Details will be provided at the start of the course). All students are required to participate in five local field trips, this will incur costs (approximately £100 per student). QMC bursary students will have course costs paid by the college.