Sixth Form
Geography
Geography bridges the physical and human sciences to make sense of our rapidly changing planet, empowering students to understand and address critical global challenges like climate change, sustainability, and inequality.
At Ryde you can study Geography at A Level and IBDP.
Why study Geography at Ryde School?
Studying Geography at Ryde School at A Level or the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a dynamic and globally minded pathway for students passionate about earth systems, human societies, and the deeply interconnected relationships between them. Here, students do not just study geography; they learn to think like environmental strategists, equipped with the critical thinking, spatial analysis and investigative research skills needed to address the most pressing environmental and humanitarian challenges of our time.
Highly respected by employers as a vital bridge between the sciences and humanities, geography serves as an exceptional launchpad for diverse academic pathways. Students can pursue pure geography – focusing on critical issues like climate change, population dynamics, resource security, and natural disasters or combine it with disciplines such as Oceanography, Geology, Politics, or Economics. This versatile foundation leads to highly rewarding careers in environmental consultancy, urban planning, international development, and conservation. Whether progressing to roles as digital mapping experts, resource managers, or environmental surveyors for the Ministry of Defence, our graduates are fully prepared to navigate, analyse and shape the future of our changing planet.
Courses Available
The ability to view issues from a wider perspective means Geography can usefully be combined with other Science or Arts subjects. Thus, the flexibility of geographers keeps them in demand for a much wider range of careers than prescriptive subjects can offer. Geography has been defined amongst the key “facilitating” highly regarded subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group (20 leading UK universities).
Entry Requirements
GCSE Geography Grade 6. If you have not studied Geography at GCSE we will expect English Literature or Language and Sciences at Grade 6 or above.
“Geography is so relevant. Nearly everything we have studied has been in the news in the last 6 months!”
Award
A LEVEL AQA Geography
Course Content/Structure
Physical Geography
- Water and Carbon Cycles
- Coastal Systems and Landscapes
- Hazards
Human Geography
- Global Systems and Global Governance
- Changing Places
- Population and the Environment
Geography Fieldwork Investigation – Four days of fieldwork during the course (Human and Physical) will allow you to create an independent investigation incorporating your choice of the topics studied.
Assessment
Physical: 120 marks (2hrs 30mins) -40% of total mark
Human: 120 marks (2hrs 30mins) -40% of total mark
Investigation: 60 marks -20% of total mark
This is a linear course with all exams sat in the summer session of the Upper Sixth.
The ability to view issues from a wider perspective means Geography can usefully be combined with other Science or Arts subjects. Thus, the flexibility of geographers keeps them in demand for a much wider range of careers than prescriptive subjects can offer. Geography has been defined amongst the key “facilitating” highly regarded subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group (20 leading UK universities).
Entry Requirements
GCSE Geography Grade 6. If you have not studied Geography at GCSE we will expect English Literature or Language and Sciences at Grade 6 or above.
“Geography is so relevant. Nearly everything we have studied has been in the news in the last 6 months!”
Award
IBDP & IBCP Geography (Individuals and Societies – Group 3)
Course Content/Structure
Part 1 – Geographical Themes (2 at SL and 3 at HL)
- Oceans and Coastal Margins
- Geophysical Hazards
Leisure, Tourism and Sport
Part 2 – Core (SL and HL)
- Changing Population
- Global Climate – Vulnerability and Resilience
- Global Resource Consumption and Security
Part 3 – Core Extension (HL only)
- Power, Places and Networks
- Human Development and Diversity
- Global Risks and Resilience
Internal Assessment
Based on fieldwork using a combination of primary and secondary data collected.
Assessment
Core Themes: 35% (SL & HL) (2hrs 15mins)
Optional Themes: 40% (SL & HL) (1hr 15mins)
HL Extension: 1hr (HL)
Internal Assessment: 25% for Sl, 20% for HLExams are in May of the Upper Sixth. Questions are open-ended and allow the freedom to discuss, offer opinions and evaluate.