Departmental Courses

A Level Geography

Geography - Handbooks and Summer Tasks

Updated: 14/04/2021 198 KB
Updated: 14/04/2021 164 KB
Updated: 14/04/2021 93 KB

A level geography at Poole High is taught through the popular AQA syllabus, which provides students with the opportunity to study human and physical geography, and write their own research project on any geographical issue.

The paper breakdown is as follows:

Paper 1: Physical Geography:

Water and Carbon Cycles, Hazards and Coastal Systems and Landscapes (2hr 30 exam)

Paper 2: Human Geography:

Global Systems and Global Governance, Changing Places, Population and the Environment (2hr 30 exam)

Paper 3: Non-Examined Assessment

Students conduct a research project on a topic of their OWN CHOICE (3,000-4,000 words)

Why study A Level Geography?

Sir Michael Palin, late chairman of the Royal Geographical Society, states that “Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems”, which suggests Geographers have the power to do anything they like. Indeed, Geography careers cover a vast array of fields, from agriculture, to meteorology, to scientific research, conservation, sustainable development, international aid worker, finance, tourism and business. The Guardian in 2015 claimed that Geography graduates are among the most employable in the UK, which bodes well for our A Level Geographers! Simply put, Geography rocks.

Who can I contact for help?

Mrs H Stinton (h.stinton@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)
Miss H Saunders(h.saunders@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)

Studying geography opens many doors for young people in the world of work. It is considered to be multi-disciplinary, which means geography covers a broad range of areas of study. In turn this teaches students lots of different skills, which makes them extremely employable. Indeed, the Guardian considers geography graduates to be the most employable in the work force today. Geography can take you to careers in:

  • Environmental sustainability
  • town planning
  • working for corporations to improve their green credentials
  • Environment Agency (EA)
  • Department for Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
  • Transport planning (E.g. working for TfL)
  • GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
  • Hazard and risk management
  • Conservation
  • Renewable energy
  • NGO work
  • Travel and tourism
  • Meteorology

For more specific information please follow the below links:

https://www.rgs.org/geography/choose-geography/careers/finding-jobs-in-geography/

https://www.rgs.org/schools/teaching-resources/going-places-with-geography-video/

Famous Geographers include:

  • Prince William
  • Theresa May (former PM)
  • Sir Matthew Pincent and James Cracknell (Olympic gold medallists)
  • Michael Jordan (former basketball player)
  • Anita Roddick (founder of the Body Shop)
  • Dr Ian Stewart (Geologist, TV presenter)
  • Chris Tarrant (TV presenter)
  • Amy Macdonald (singer)
  • Sir Michael Palin (ex-chairman of the Royal Geographical Society, travel author, comedian)
  • Sir David Attenborough (naturalist, documentary- maker)