Geography
Geography is a subject which has no boundaries. It has an important role in providing pupils with a framework of knowledge, understanding, skills and values, with which to make sense of the world in which they live.
Geography enables pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding about:
· natural patterns and processes that occur in the world
· manmade patterns of activity and the processes involved
· the inter-relationship between people and their environment in the past, the present and the future
Geography encourages pupils to develop study skills by emphasising observation, collection, representation, analysis of data, photographs and maps.
Geography emphasises the importance of values in decision-making and promotes an understanding of different communities and cultures and their view of the modern world.
The Sixth Form
The OCR A level specification explores the key principles, concepts and processes that explain geographical phenomena and landscapes. This course builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired at GCSE. It maintains the balance between physical and human geography whilst ensuring relevance to the modern world, thus fieldtrips are an integral part of the course. There is a requirement to carry out fieldwork but without lengthy formal reports. Current visits include Christchurch Bay, Isle of Purbeck and Bath, as well as a variety of Island-based trips. The Department also offers the opportunity to widen geographical awareness and sense of place with trips abroad; The Bay of Naples and our most recent, Iceland.
AS units assessed in June include Managing the Physical Environment (rivers, coasts, hot and cold environments.) and Managing the Human Environment (urban change, managing rural change, energy and tourism).
A2 units assessed in January and June include Global Issues (earth hazards, climatic hazards and Globalisation) and Geographical Skills (candidates will develop an understanding of the process of geographical investigation including fieldwork, skills needed to complete investigation, an awareness of problems and an ability to evaluate outcomes.)
All four units are externally assessed through written examinations. There is no examined coursework component. Mandatory/Optional?
Extra-Curricular
Geography is an ideal subject to study, as it offers a direct link with the environment outside the classroom, as well as having a number of cross-curricular links with other subjects, especially the sciences. Thissubject is ideally suited for the development of ICT skills, essential in the world of work and higher education. In addition to our many fieldwork trips, we offer revision courses and attend national Sixth Form lectures.