Pupils will have the opportunity to explore a range of fascinating places and issues that bring together a strong understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Through a variety of contemporary topics, pupils will learn about the unique features of different environments, and how human actions can affect such places, using problem solving skills to consider how these threats can be minimised. Pupils will have an opportunity to work independently, in groups and through fieldwork to help develop a variety of skills. Above all, the key stage 3 curriculum has been designed to develop pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will hopefully remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Geography helps us to make sense of the world and gives us the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions that affect us.

Geography is taught through a range of accessible and engaging topics – providing a stimulating blend of traditional and contemporary Geography to suit students of all abilities. This popular course covers the study of physical and human Geography and focuses on physical processes that produce diverse and dynamic landscapes over time.

Fieldwork is an essential part of the course, providing students with a brilliant opportunity to experience some of the things they have learnt about in class, seeing things differently and, of course, having fun. Students have the opportunity to visit Stratford to undertake human fieldwork and Epping Forest to undertake physical fieldwork.

What skills will students develop? 

The study of this course will give students the opportunity to develop communication skills, graphical and cartographical skills, technological skills including ICT and Geographical Information Systems, interpersonal skills through debate and discussion, literacy and numeracy skills – continually developed through written questions and problem solving skills. Enquiry based learning is at the forefront of the teaching of the subject, therefore allowing the opportunity for personalised and independent learning. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

This variety makes Geography a highly respected, successful and popular course.

Course Content 

Students will be awarded the AQA (A) GCSE. The following content is covered over the two years.

Student Course Criteria

Geographers have a particular way of looking at the world. The AQA Geography A Level course invites students to critically evaluate and assess links between topics. The ability to weigh up differing and conflicting views is an essential part of the course as well as developing and extending students’ application of the interrelationships between physical and human geography. 

Any student who has taken Geography at GCSE and has shown a commitment to their studies and a good understanding of work covered is welcome to apply for this popular and high achieving subject.

Overview of the course

Geography Fieldwork Investigation

All students are required to undertake fieldwork in relation to processes in both physical and human geography. At the start of Year 2, students travel to Nettlecombe in West Somerset to carry out investigations into both physical and human geography. The fieldwork collected here will feed into their individual investigations, as specified above.

Further Opportunities Following this Course

Studying Geography provides young people with a mix of skills that is highly attractive to both universities and employers.  These skills include numeracy, teamwork, data handling, analytical skills and communication skills.

Students who go on to study the subject at degree level find employment in a wide range of professions. For example, water resource management, environmental consultancy, urban planning and journalism.

A minimum of grade 6 in Geography is required. Please note there is a mathematical element to the course.