A Level Geography

Applications for 2025 entry open on Wednesday 6th November 2024. Please do not submit your application before this date. Please apply via PS16 on via our website.

A Level Geography engages you with the world around you: you’ll consider water and carbon cycles, hot desert systems and landscapes, global systems and governance, changing places, hazards, population, and the environment. Field work is a key element in geographical study and you'll take part in visits. You’ll need an open and enquiring mind, an interest in topical issues of the day and a willingness to collect and manipulate data from fieldwork.

Geography works well with a broad range of Sixth Form subjects and is unusual in being considered as both an arts and a science subject.

While studying A Level Geography you will have the opportunity to study three physical units (Carbon and Water Cycle, Hazards and Deserts) and three human units (Changing Places, Globalisation and Global Governance and Population). Not only will each unit allow you to explore the ever changing world, but connections between the different units allow you to develop a holistic understanding of Geography.

The physical units, making up 40% of the overall grade, provide an insight into the natural world. With the current focus on changes to global climates, the study of the Carbon and Water Cycle provides an understanding of why this occurs, with a strong focus on river and rainforest environments. As part of the Hazard unit, we analyse the impacts of natural events, understanding what causes various tectonic and weather hazards and why impacts vary between developing and developed countries. The Desert unit allows students to understand how deserts develop and how they are impacting on life in various countries globally.

The human units, making up 40% of the overall grade, allow students to understand how we are impacting the planet. Urban areas are consistently changing and creating different challenges for different cultures and societies. Changing Places provides students with an insight into what is changing in urban areas and why, using local, national and international examples. Changing environments and political challenges in the developed and developing world mean our world needs to be governed to the best of our ability. Globalisation and Global Governance allows students to understand what caused our world to be interconnected, how our planet is governed and what areas are most at risk. The Population unit focuses on how the world is changing regarding its demographics and what factors are influencing population structures around the world.

Coursework makes up 20% of the overall grade, giving students an opportunity to explore an environment in the UK and create their own investigation, providing an insight into one of the six units in more detail.

Geography at JC6 provides students with the opportunity to be independent thinkers and inspires those interested in how the world works, to focus on what is required to make our planet sustainable and to discuss issues and challenge problems facing our planet.

Assessment: End of course examinations, including multiple choice and written answers, and coursework.

Entry Requirements: General JC6 entry requirements, plus 5 in Geography or another Humanities subject preferred.

Geography at JC6 is a great choice for developing a range of skills highly valued by universities and employers: data handling and interpretation, practical and analytical thinking and clear communication.