Geography
Head of Department: Miss A McCaughern
Contact Details: ajmc@felsted.org
Twitter/X: @GeogFelsted / Instagram: @Felsted_Geography
IB
Why study Geography?
The IB Geography course is fast moving and diverse in range of content. From debates on who should fund climate finance, evaluating management of mangroves in vulnerable communities, to discussions on government funded population policies in Japan to studying the geography of health and disease and even model UN negotiations on the fate of the South China Sea. You will truly become informed global citizens.
Geography develops your understanding of physical, economic, social and environmental issues with case studies taken from across all continents.
Alongside the fundamental cartographic and statistical techniques, Geography develops many key skills, most notably research, independent learning and group work. You have the chance to collect primary data via fieldwork in the both Peak District and the Dorset Coastline
Where will it lead me?
Geographers work in a wide range of professionally and financially rewarding environments such as finance, insurance, property, investment, planning, travel, tourism, government and intergovernmental organisations and NGOs.
Course structure
At Standard Level, topics include:
- Climate Change
- Population studies
- Coastal Studies
- Food and Health
- Resource Management
At Higher Level, the Global Interactions paper allows you to develop an understanding of Cultural and Economic Geography. The topics covered include: measuring global interactions, changing spaces, economic interactions and flows, environmental change, socio-cultural exchanges, geo-politics, and global interactions at a local level.
Assessment:
External assessment is via two exams for Standard Level, three for Higher Level.
Paper 1 35% at SL, 35% at HL
Tests the core theme. Section A consists of short answers; Section B requires one extended response.
Paper 2 40% at SL, 25% at HL
Tests the optional themes. You must respond to stimulus material relating to two of the themes.
Paper 3 20%
An extension paper for HL only. You write an extended response on one topic from the study of Global Interactions.
Internal Assessment 25% at SL, 20% at HL
For internal assessment, you will be required to produce one investigation of 2,000-2,500 words involving fieldwork and primary data collection. You will need t o attend the department fieldtrip in order to collect this data. This is investigating Sand Dune succession in Dorset.
A Level
Exam Board: Aqa www.aqa.org.uk
Syllabus Code: 7037
Why study Geography?
Geography helps you to make sense of the world around you. It's hands-on, hugely relevant in our rapidly changing world, and fun.
Geography is not only up-to-date, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world's current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them. In no other subject could you study topics as relevant, diverse and engaging as climate change, sustainable food production, natural disasters, environments under stress, water wars, the spread of disease, the reasons for migration and the future of our coasts, coral reefs and oceanic resources. These are just some of the great challenges facing the next generation of geographers.
“A knowledge of geography has enriched my life and encouraged me to take on long and sometimes difficult journeys. Geography has stimulated my mind and given me the attitude to go out and see for myself, rather than be told by others.” Sir Michael Palin
Geography at Felsted is taught interactively using a variety of methods, such as resource based investigations, local and international case study material, online research and the extensive use of media and visual aids in lessons. Fieldwork also plays a key part in supporting the teaching with residential and day trips to deliver research and enquiry skills. These also help to support the curriculum with vital case studies enabling pupils to apply their knowledge and make sense of the wider world around them.
- Pupils will become independent enquirers with strong cartographic, ICT, statistical, and graphical skills
- They will have the ability to work with their peers out in the field collecting primary data as well as making use of wider research options
- Pupils will be able to write analytically formulating and exemplifying arguments
- Pupils will become empathetic global citizens
- Geography is one of the most popular A Level subjects at Felsted, with approximately 30 students opting to study it each year. It has a high University course selection by pupils, and is consistently rated as an excellent department by Felsted pupils.
Expectations of independent study
At A Level all pupils will complete tasks set after every lesson. They will also be expected to write up a field work investigation after practical field work. Extensive reading of articles in Geography journals, podcasts and documentaries and accessing current affairs from news sources is vital for access to the higher grades.
Requirements
Pupils must have studied to GCSE level, gaining at least a GCSE grade 6 or above, plus have an interest and enthusiasm for the subject. Pupils should also be aware that there is a high standard of Maths required within the subject.
Geography, with its emphasis on the synopticity of world systems, current affairs and the natural world relies on a pupil’s ability to apply their knowledge, analyse new material and to think for themselves.
We hope that Felsted Geographers will leave with the confidence to interpret the world around them, identify and decipher the geographic issues the planet faces at a variety of scales and have the skill set to know how to help improve the physical and human environments both in their university studies and beyond.
What do the pupils say?
“Geography at Felsted offers a stimulating and current insight into politics, economics, the environment and world issues.”
“It’s such a broad subject, there’s always something interesting to learn about.”
“The highlights of my geography career at Felsted was becoming ‘Geographer of the Week’ and the field trips.”
What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
Choosing geography can open the doors to a university degree, either specifically in geography or in a multitude of associated subjects such as land management, urban planning, environmental conservation or oceanography to name a few! Equally an A Level in geography is recognised for its academic ‘robustness’ and, most importantly, its wide ranging skill set. Hence Geographers are numerate, literate, analytical, and have enquiry, teamwork and communication based abilities all of which are attractive for all university or workplace applications. In the last two years, over 25 Felstedians have opted to study Geography at University and many more have taken related degrees.
Geographers work in a wide range of professionally and financially rewarding environments such as Finance, Property, Investment, Hazard analysis, Management Consultancy, Planning, Energy, Travel, Tourism, Government and Aid Agencies.
Assessment:
Component 1 40%
Physical Geography
2 hr 30 min written exam
Component 2 40%
Human Geography
2 hr 30 min written exam
Component 3 20%
Geographical investigation
(Non Examined Assessment)
3,000–4,000 word investigation