A rapidly changing world scene also makes geography a vital, dynamic and lively subject. Being able to understand some of the processes behind the changes and being able to predict possible outcomes means that geography students have important skills necessary to help manage the future of the planet. The current environmental concerns of climatic change, sea-level change, pollution, population growth and landscape degradation are all important global issues. Geographers have a role to play in their solution and management because they study the underlying processes and their spatial interaction.

Geographers are in particularly high demand for employment because of their high numeracy and literary skills as well as their ability to work well with other people in teams.

 

Entry with:

GCSE grade B in Geography or if not studied at GCSE, GCSE grade B in a subject requiring good writing skills e.g. English or humanities and GCSE grade C in Mathematics. 

• • Most years about 40% of our A Level students go on to read Geography or closely related subjects in higher education.
• • Fieldwork is an integral and popular part of the course and involves occasional local visits, and weekend/week-long residential courses in various parts of Britain.
• • The flourishing Geographical Society run by students who organise talks, revision courses, social events and other field visits, usually abroad (e.g. our 2009 trip to China).
• • The broad base of the subject means that there are numerous opportunities for all of the key skills to be practised and assessed within both AS and A2 level Geography.
• • Open-access resources room with geographical software, books, magazines, project work, etc.
• • A balance between Physical and Human Geography.
• • A variety of issues-based themes.
• • An emphasis on the dynamic nature of Geography.

 

Awarding body: OCR

AS Level Units

Unit 1: Managing physical environments: coastal, river, hot arid and cold environments. 50%
Unit 2: Managing change in human environments: urban change, rural change, energy issues and the growth of tourism. 50%
 

Advanced (A2) Level Units

Unit 3: Global issues. Three options will be studied from a range of environmental and economic issues that include earth hazards, climatic hazards, ecosystems under threat; population and resources; globalisation; development and opportunities. 60%.
Unit 4: Geographical skills. This unit is based on fieldwork undertaken during both the AS and A2 years. 40%
 

 

 

• • Well qualified, enthusiastic and experienced teachers
• • All lessons are taught in specialist Geography rooms
• • A specialist Physical Geography laboratory
• • An open access Resources Room equipped with computers, textbooks magazines, etc.
• • A range of different fieldwork equipment and a set of lap tops specifically for fieldwork use so that all fieldwork can be taught by members of staff.

 

“You’re given a lot of room to learn independently which is very liberating after secondary school but support is provided immediately if needed.”
Isaac Turner

“Geography is a brilliant subject to study at Hills Road: a fascinating course, great teaching and the best trips.”
Katherine Brightwell