Geography is studied at ncn High Pavement Sixth Form College.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Geography is a study of the relationship between people and their environments. The ‘AS’ and ‘A2’ Level courses at High Pavement focus on topical issues such as the impacts of climate change, the success of inner city policies in Nottingham and how communities respond to volcanic eruptions. We examine how places and environments change and how people adapt to these changes.
Geography forms a 'bridge' between the arts and sciences and it is possible to combine it with any other subject. We welcome students with a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
What will I achieve from the course?
By studying Geography at this level you will learn:
- important skills, such as how to analyse maps, statistics, newspaper articles and satellite images
- obtain an understanding of the ideas and concepts that underpin natural and human systems
- gain a systematic knowledge of selected case-studies from the developed and developing world
- analyse real planning issues to gain an insight into decision-making
Teaching and learning
The course encourages active enquiry which will involve some individual and group research projects. A wide range of audio-visual material is used in teaching and you will learn to use computer data-bases and the Internet to complete assignments.
Fieldwork is a very important and enjoyable aspect of studying Geography. Students develop a variety of practical skills. A number of local studies and day visits are incorporated into the programme of study. There is also a residential fieldtrip to the Yorkshire coast planned for ‘AS’ students and a short foreign visit at 'A2' Level.
Where the course may lead?
Geography is recognised as being a good academic qualification which develops a range of transferable skills. It is very popular with employers and valued in Higher Education. Many of our students go on to study Geography-related courses, such as Human or Physical Geography, Humanities, Geology, Planning or Environmental Studies, Earth Sciences at University while others use their qualification to study an unrelated degree subject.
Length
- 'AS' in Year 1
- 'A2' in Year 2
Entry Requirements
'AS': at least Grade C in GCSE English Language. It is not necessary to have studied Geography at GCSE level
'A2': at least Grade E in 'AS' Geography
Course Content
2 units at 'AS' Level:
- Global Challenges: globalisation and the world at risk - hazards including climate change
- Geographical Investigations: crowded coasts and unequal spaces or re-branding places - rural and urban environments
2 units at 'A2' Level:
- Contested Planet: energy security, water conflicts, biodiversity under threat, superpower geographies, bridging the development gap, the technological fix
- Geographical Research: study of a physical or human geography topic
Hands-on experience of fieldwork is an essential part of the course: fieldtrips, day visits and local studies will be integrated into the programme.
Assessment
Examinations.
Aims & Ambitions
A Higher Education course in Geography, Planning, Development or Environmental Studies, Earth Sciences or a career in one of these areas. Geography graduates are among the most employable and move into a variety of commercial areas.