Geography in the Sixth Form is a diverse and challenging option. The course aims to be relevant to the real world and address contemporary issues. It provides the opportunity to develop geographical knowledge and transferable skills in communication, numeracy, graphicacy, problem solving, team work and thinking. These elements help to build a solid foundation for the move into further education and indeed the workplace beyond. Geography offers an ideal link between science and art choices, as favoured by a number of leading universities. A significant number continue with the subject at university, or use it to support applications for courses including Architecture, Psychology, Medicine, Land Economy, Environmental Science, Oceanography and Geology.

The course offers great breadth with a combination of new and familiar topics. There is a balance between human and physical sections and these are taught by separate, specialist teachers.

At AS level, the course will cover two modules. Module 1 includes physical units of rivers, coasts, cold environments, hot deserts and their margins. For the human side of Module 2, managing rural and urban change, energy and tourism provide a focus. Assessment for both modules is by structured, short answer questions and extended writing.

For A2, a range of contemporary geographical issues are studied in Module 3. These are as diverse as globalisation, contemporary conflicts, world cities, environments under threat, climate change and earth hazards. The final module will be based on candidates’ own fieldwork investigations, both with structured short and extended questions, but without the need to submit lengthy formal reports.

There will be opportunities for a variety of day and residential trips. Recent visits have included the dunes at Camber and the World Heritage Jurassic coast of Dorset. Recently for some, the option of a visit to Belize in Central America has added an extra and unique dimension to studies.

The nature of peoples’ working lives is changing and the development of a wider perspective and transferable skills in Geography provide a firm base for life-long learning. Statistics show that Geography graduates rank extremely high in employment tables.

For AS and A2, the usual entry criteria apply, but students should have enjoyed the GCSE course and show an interest in the world.

Click the links below to access useful info:

AS/A2 Course outline

Full AS/A2 OCR Specification

OCR Support Booklets: