Examining Board - OCR
Subject Content
The course is interesting and varied, covering the traditional aspects of Geography; both the physical and human environment. Within these two main areas of study, emphasis is placed on processes, environmental awareness, spatial awareness and sense of place along with the relevance to the modern world and young peoples’ lives.
Where the opportunities arise, students will undertake fieldwork and individual research although students are no longer required to complete a formal piece of coursework.
Methods of Study
Every lesson is delivered using power-point presentations and the Smart Board. Once a lesson is complete, students can access the lesson resources via the College shared area. Typical lessons will include formal note taking, teacher-led discussion and group work. Students will also develop the skills of personal research where they will evaluate sources of information such as G.I.S. maps, aerial photographs and other source materials. Students will also attend a number of fieldtrips at both AS and A2 in order to develop case study material and develop investigative skills essential to the examinations. The vast majority of homework tasks are past examination questions. Once completed, students are provided with model answers.
Examination practice will involve essay writing, past paper analysis and practical work which involves cartographical and statistical techniques.
Methods of Assessment
AS Modules
Unit F761 Managing Physical Environments
Topics:
- River Environments
- Coastal Environments
- Cold Environments
Unit F762 Managing Change in Human Environments
Topics:
- Managing urban change
- The growth of tourism
- Managing rural change
At AS there are two written examinations;
- Managing Physical Environments 1.5 hour written paper
- Managing Change in Human Environments 1.5 hour written paper
A2 Modules
Unit F763 Global Issues: Environmental
Topics:
- Earth Hazards.
- Ecosystems & environments under threat.
- Climatic hazards
F763 Global Issues: Economic
Topics:
- Population & resources.
- Globalisation Development & inequalities
F764 Geographical Skills
Topics:
- Fieldwork techniques & investigation skills
At A2 there are also two written examinations;
- Global Issues 2.5 hour written paper
- Geographical Skills 2.5 hour written paper
Entry Requirements
Students are expected to have GCSE Geography grade C or above but we welcome all students with a genuine interest, enthusiasm and commitment to work hard. Geography allies itself extremely well with a whole range of other A-level subjects from Arts to Science disciplines and also with GNVQ courses.