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Geography

A brief look at the topics listed below will show you that as a Geography student you will study some of the most important and challenging issues facing the world. Through your studies you will develop the skills and knowledge needed by those in the public, voluntary and business sectors to make informed decisions on which the future of our planet depends. The skills learned are transferable and will open the door to many career options.

We expect you to take an active part in lessons, to ask questions and draw your own reasoned conclusions about key issues based on your research.

Year 1

• The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
• Globalisation
• Regenerating Places
• The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
• Coursework – which must involve fieldwork
• Four days fieldwork (may be taken partly in Year 2)

Year 2

• Coursework
• Coastal Landscapes or Glaciation
• Tectonics Processes and Hazards
• Migration, identity and sovereignty
• Super powers and Geo Politics
• Synoptic study of human and physical geography in places

I can relate the topics to what we did at GCSE and enjoy that it’s in more depth than before. I also enjoy that we have two teachers, one for human geography and the other for physical.

Elise Coughlin, ex Oathall Community College

Course Essentials

Courses Available

A Level

Entry Requirements

PLUS

Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and Science

AND

Grade 4 or above in Geography (if taken)

How The Course is Assessed

80% exam and 20% coursework

Career Pathways

Students go on to degrees in related subjects such as Earth or Environmental Sciences, International Tourism, Development Studies or Geography itself. The subject leads to careers in public services, environmental research and conservation, eco-tourism, working for voluntary organisations, development work and a wide range of business environments.

Transferable Skills

Teamwork; problem-solving; quantitative and qualitative skills; subject knowledge relevant to many social, economic and environmental challenges, digital mapping.

Other Information

There are four days fieldwork for which there will be costs of around £100 plus opportunities for optional overseas trips.

Enquiries To

Noami Lask: nbl@varndean.ac.uk

What are the Standard Entry Requirements?

CourseGeneral GCSE Grade minimum entry requirements
IB Diploma or 4 A levelsA mixture of at least 7 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 6 including English, Maths and Science.
3 A LevelsA mixture of at least 6 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 4 including English.
A mixed programme at Level 3, to include at least one vocational courseA mixture of at least 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 4 including English.
Foundation Level (Level 2)At least 4 GCSEs at Grade 3, including English. At least one GCSE should be at Grade 4 or above.
Any student who has not achieved a grade 4 or C in GCSE English and/or Maths must include further study of these subjects in their programme.