Why choose geography?

Which single natural disaster has caused the most economic loss this century?

Why might I speak to an operator in India if I phone a call centre?

Which nations are the emerging superpowers?

Why does Manchester have the wheel and European Christmas Markets?

Do you already know the answers to questions like these or would you like to? Then Geography is the subject for you...so please read on.

This exciting and innovative specification is at the cutting edge of the topics that make Geography such a fascinating and vital subject in today's ever-evolving world.  Packed with local fieldwork opportunities and a trip to the Lake District, the subject will keep you interested helping you to learn and study effectively.

Whatever your future career path, be it geographical, business, health, law or politics, then Geography is right for you. Geography develops the skills to gather, analyse, evaluate and present information, and benefits students of both sciences and humanities.  Geography also promotes citizenship and challenges you to think about the future and how you might shape our world for future generations 

Universities and employers regard geography very highly due to the wide range of transferable skills developed through studying the subject.
 
'Geography makes sense of our complex and changing world'

The subject explains how places and landscapes are formed and examines the pace of globalisation and its far-reaching impact.  AS and A2 explore both human and physical themes, with A2 allowing for specialisation.

AS geography topics

World at risk: global hazards and climate change.
Going global: market-globalisation, migration and growth of mega-cities.
Extreme weather: the fascination and threat of ferocious weather.
Re-branding places: re-imaging and regeneration of rural and urban places.

A2 geography topics

Energy security: access to energy resources and securing a supply for all.
Water conflicts: why uneven water distribution creates supply problems and conflict.
Biodiversity threat: managing the natural world and species.
Superpower geographies: the economic and political impact of uneven power relations.
Bridging the development gap: the social and environmental costs of reducing poverty.
The technological fix: how technology might solve poverty and environmental issues.

Independent guided geographical research

After an initial introduction, and with teacher guidance, you will research and develop an investigation into Tectonic activity and hazards.

You will investigate: 

- what the different types of tectonic hazards are.
- what affects the level of risk associated with such hazards (magnitude, duration, areal extent, and proximity and vulnerability of the population).
- how the impacts of tectonic hazards can be reduced.

Teaching methods

- Building on what you already know about the world around you we use structured teaching packs, visual aids, source material, ICT and fieldwork to investigate the topics on a variety of scales.
- Units are examined by written papers, but require knowledge and application of information and skills learnt during practical investigations.
- Assessment at AS involves structured questions.  At A2 analytical and evaluative skills are developed and exam questions are essay based.

To study Geography at A-level a pass at GCSE is desirable but by no means essential. The main requirement is an interest and enthusiasm to learn about the world around you and a pass in GCSE English.  I look forward to seeing you in September.

Answers

World at risk: Hurricane Katrina in economic terms; though the Asian tsunami caused more fatalities.
Going global: Satellite technology reduces the cost of the calls and the wages of trained, skilled, English speaking workers are substantially lower in India.
Re-branding places: Part of Manchester's re-imaging to ensure a vibrant, growing economy.  This regeneration is typical of many 'de-industrialised' British cities, along with many rural areas.
Super power geographies: The rise of the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) changes the economic playing field as the 'older' superpowers (USA and EU) no longer dominate.

Mike Johnson
Head of Geography