GEOGRAPHY Welcome to the Social Science Department

A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY Then choose….. A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY Do you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively?

Introduction… The Geography course is split up into four key units covering a wide range of topical issues from both the physical and human environments. G1 and G2 are studied in Year 12 (AS Level) with G3 and G4 in Year 13 (Full A-Level) The specification recognises the vital role Geography plays in the 21 st Century and encourages students to understand their own lives in a global world that is constantly changing.

UNIT G1 UNIT G1 Changing Physical Environments Theme 1 – Investigating Climate Change The dynamic systems of climate change and the strategies that are being implemented to tackle this pressing problem. Theme 2 – Investigating Tectonic and Hydrological Change Tectonic & Hydrological Landform changes and how people react to and manage those changes.

UNIT G2 UNIT G2 Changing Human Environments Theme 1 – Investigating Population Change An introduction to the complex themes surrounding population change such as demography and migration. Theme 2 – Investigating Settlement Change The dynamic system of urban and rural settlement change at all levels of structure and society in MEDCs.

UNIT G3 UNIT G3 Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography Section A – Contemporary Themes Candidates Chose from six optional themes One from: 1.Extreme Environments – Desert and Tundra 2.Landforms and their Management – either glacial or coastal 3.Climatic Hazards One from: 4.Development 5.Globalization 6.Emerging Asia – the Geography of either India or China

UNIT G3 UNIT G3 Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography Section B – Individual Research Enquiry This part of the specification provides an opportunity for the students to carry out individual research and out of classroom work, including fieldwork. This is started in the summer term of Year 12. Candidates will select one theme to research from the following areas: Crime, Deprivation, Disease, Environmental Psychology, Leisure and Recreation, Microclimates, Pollution, Retailing, Rivers and Ecosystems. The topic areas are to be researched in preparation for the assessment task. The specific theme is given out by the WJEC one year in advance so candidates can complete research in readiness for Section B of the G3 Examination.

UNIT G4 UNIT G4 Sustainability Four themes relating to sustainability – Water, Energy, Populations and Cities. The unit draws attention to the complexities and management of a sustainable planet and is split into two main sections. Section A – Based on set ideas shown in the resource folder which candidates receive approximately 6 weeks before the examination. Section B – Based on candidates knowledge, understanding and application from not only G4 but also the other units that have been studies at A2 and A-Level. The section is designed to stretch and challenge candidates.

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT G1 – Changing Physical Environments 1 hr 30 minutes Written Paper Three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests research/fieldwork. G2 – Changing Human Environments 1 hr 30 minutes Written Paper Same structure as G1.

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT G3 – Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography Section A – 1hr 30 minutes Two essays – one from each of the two contemporary themes. Section B – 45 minutes Candidates having designed and carried out a research enquiry based on their chosen theme and prescribed topic area will answer two questions about their enquiry. G4 – Sustainability 1 hr 45 minutes Written Paper Pre-released material in April/May prior to the examination for a Decision Making Exercise.

WHY GEOGRAPHY? Students with AS or Advanced Geography have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. Skills that you develop include collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating your findings and developing links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand and Geographers are currently amongst the most employable graduates. At SRG the pass rate A-C is 100%

THE FUTURE…. Possible careers can include engineering, urban/rural developer, surveyor, architecture, environmental scientist, oceanographer and geology based employment. The qualification can also lead to further training in such areas as the law, accountancy and journalism. Geography can lend itself to so many other subjects and also stand on its own. It is a subject that can give you an experience of life.

The Students View… ‘’Studying Geography has made me more aware of my role in the world and has given me the skills needed to be successful in the future.’’ Past Students have moved forward to: A scholarship with Aberystwyth University to study Geography Primary Teaching specialising in Geography Environment Agency BSc. Geography and Development Studies at Chester University

ANY QUESTIONS??? Any questions please feel free to ask this evening or arrange a time to discuss your option choices in school. Interested??? Geography is for life: lifelong, life- sustaining and life-enhancing..... let Geography take you there!