Geography

AQA

The Geography course at Paston is designed to have wide appeal. You will learn how human activity affects the natural environment, exploring contemporary issues through the eyes of a geographer. You will study human and physical environments, how they are linked and answer questions such as: can earthquakes be prevented? Is the Norfolk coast worth defending?

Can organic farming compete with intensive farming? Should we be concerned about our carbon footprint?

The course helps you learn about the world as it is, and to develop your own ideas on how it should be. You will develop research, analytical and presentation skills – useful for further study at university and in employment – and practical skills in the field. Fieldwork is a vital and enjoyable part of the course. We do some locally, but you will have the opportunity to go on residential fieldtrips further afield. In 2009 we went to Iceland, in 2010 Naples and in 2011 Morocco. You can combine Geography with a wide range of humanities, science, language and business subjects.

AS Geography

In AS Geography you will study both Physical and Human Geography.
• Rivers, floods and management: a study of how rivers shape the landscape. Can rivers really be ‘managed’?
• Global population change: are resources finite and can the planet provide enough for its growing population?
• Cold environments: a study of glaciations and the importance of cold environments to the global system.
• Energy issues: a study of the consumption of energy and energy conservation.

Entry requirements

Two written examinations. A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language and Mathematics or a science.

A2 Geography

At A2 you will build on your AS work and study:
• Challenges facing ecosystems: the key focus is on considering the extent to which management of the environment can be considered to be sustainable.
• Changing urban areas and how our cities are managed.
• Development and globalisation: considers who are the winners and losers as the world economic system becomes increasingly globalised.
• Plate tectonics and associated hazards: a detailed study of earthquakes and volcanoes and their impact on human activity.

Assessment

Two examinations.