geog

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AS/A2 Geography

Why choose Geography at Carmel?In choosing Geography at Carmel, you would be joining a very enthusiastic and hard workingdepartment in which you can expect to be taught by well qualified and experienced staff. Allmembers of the Geography team, work to develop relaxed and productive workingrelationships based on mutual respect.

As a member of this team you will be valued as an individual, whilst being challengedacademically, allowing your real potential to emerge as a Geographer, both in the classroomand more importantly, in the field.

A large number of students join the AS course each year and the popularity of the subject isreflected in the outstanding progression rate of students onto the A2 course in the second year.

Through Geography you will experience a broad education that transcends traditionaldisciplinary boundaries in bringing together the social and natural sciences – people andtheir varied environments.

As a Geographer you will deal with issues that are central to society and the environment, andit will equip you to face the future – a future for the planet, to which Geography holds the key.

AASS//AA22 GeographyEXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

ALEX HUGHES

St Julie’s

Studying:Geography, Biology, Maths

Studying Geography has made me analtogether ‘rounder’ person, makingme aware of the world and ways I canhelp to make it better such asreducing CO2 emissions. I enjoyedthe Geography Field trip toMorecambe as it gave me theopportunity to put the work we haddone in class into practice in apractical way. There is a very friendlyatmosphere in the Geographydepartment and around the college ingeneral and the new buildings andfacilities are excellent. I would like tostudy Geography at university andultimately become a secondary schoolteacher.

KIERON VESEYHead of Faculty : Social Sciences

MARY WILLIAMSGeography Subject Tutor, Assistant Degree Co-ordinator andSustainability Officer

meet thestudentsmeet thestudents

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WHAT WILL THE COURSE INVOLVE?

Geography is an established modularsubject, which emphasises a balancedunderstanding of physical and humangeography.

Your study of the subject will be based ontwo key elements: A ‘People-Environment’approach to Geography and an ‘Enquiry’approach to learning.

‘People-Environment Geography’ is basedon the examination of the questions, issuesand problems arising from the interaction ofpeople with their varied environments.

The ‘Enquiry’ approach to learning rests onthe understanding that effective learningoccurs when students are actively engagedin enquiry into key environmental questions,issues and problems. All units that you willstudy encourage you to evaluate sustainabledevelopment options for the future and toconsider the part that you might play as acitizen and the contribution which you canmake to a more sustainable use of theenvironment.

The world we live in is changing. Geographyallows you to see why and how it ischanging. It can enhance communicationskills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy,spatial awareness, team work problemsolving and environmental awareness.

At AS Level you will study global themes,focusing on ‘World at Risk’ and ‘Going Global’.

You will discover how your own actions canrelate to the wider world, be it your local areaor a country far away.

You will study two units:

Unit 1: Global Challenges.In this unit you will study a range of topicssuch as Global Hazards, Climate Changeand Future Global Challenges.

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations.This gives you an opportunity to undertakeGeographical research, including aresidential field course.

You will investigate two topics in depth: onefrom Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts(Physical Geography); and one fromUnequal Spaces or Rebranding Places(Human Geography).

What will this course prepare me for?As an AS or A2 Geography student, you will have access to a wide range of possiblecareer and Higher Education opportunities. Many students, on completing A LevelGeography, progress onto Higher Education courses in Geography or EnvironmentalScience. In 2009, 96% of A Level Geography students progressed from Carmel to University, with46% reading Geography or a Geography related subject. Increasing numbers of studentsare now studying degrees in Sustainable Development, Geographical Information Systemsand Environmental Management.

More than ever we need the Geographer’s skills and foresight to help us learn about ourplanet – how we use it and how we abuse it. You will be able to build on your Geography,and as many former students have done, move into specialist careers in development,ecosystems and environmental management, land and water processes, map work andcomputing, population, settlement and industry as well as tourism and recreation. The list isendless!

Students getting soaked by one of Iceland’sgreatest natural features - The Great Geysir

THOMAS LAMONT

St Gregory’s

Studying:Geography, Maths,Physics, Chemistry, CriticalThinking, Extended Project

I particularly like the relevance ofGeography to today’s world issuesand processes from a natural andhuman perspective. It is interestingto learn about geographicprocesses like tectonics, watermanagement, energy and howthese influence society. Carmel hasa really friendly and helpfulatmosphere and the tutors are veryapproachable and encourage youto achieve your potential. There arelots of opportunities at Carmel; I amtaking part in the ‘World Challenge’project where a group of 8 studentsare going to India and theHimalayas in July 2010. I amaiming to get to Oxford Universitywhen I leave to study EarthScience.

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At A2 Level you will learn how the world iscontested and develop practical researchskills in your chosen area.

You will study two units:

Unit 3: Contested Planet - In this unit youwill consider six key world issues (EnergySecurity; Water Conflicts; Biodiversity UnderThreat; Superpower Geographies; Bridgingthe Development Gap) and, in the sixthtopic (The Technological Fix?), you willdiscuss possible technological solutions tothe problems.

Unit 4: Geographical Research - This willallow you to develop further theinvestigative skills gained at AS level andprepare you for the demands of highereducation or employment. You will chooseone topic from these options:

• Tectonic Activity and Hazards• Cold Environments• Life on the Margins• The World of Cultural Diversity• Pollution and Human Health at Risk• Consuming the Rural Landscape

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The AS/A2 programme you will study inGeography leads to a varied assessmentand examination package, specificallydesigned to recognise your achievementand progress over the course.

Throughout the course you will be assessedon a regular basis to enable both you andyour Tutors to measure your progress andset targets for improvement. Examinationswill be taken in January and June of boththe AS and A2 course, and your fieldworkinvestigation and research skills will beassessed in Unit 2 and Unit 4 respectively.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT LIKE?

You will be joining an established and well-organised department in the college,which will provide you with a wide range of resources and facilities to support your studies.

The two dedicated Geography classroomscontain a wide range of excellentresources ranging from textbooks,periodicals and journals to networkedcomputers, laptops and CD ROMs. Inaddition to TVs with both VHS and DVDfacilities, both classrooms are equippedwith interactive white boards and multi-media projectors. One of the classroomsalso has basic lab facilities. Larger ICTsuites are available close to thedepartment but our most effectiveresources are the stimulating learningenvironment the department provides andthe established field sites you will visit bothhome and abroad.

What support will I receive?The department takes pride in the level of support we can give you and a wide range ofsupport will be available to you on the Geography course. A booking system is availablefor you to arrange individual tutorials on specific topics related to your studies. Grouptutorials are also arranged to provide revision support prior to your exams and ‘drop-in’tutorials are set up during the completion of assignments for example.

So there is no need to lose sleep at night, all you have to do is drop into the department;your teachers will always be available to offer help and support.

In addition to academic and pastoral support, you will also have access to a wide rangeof resources and seminars related to careers in Geography throughout your course.

frequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of Geography will I study?

You will study ‘People-Environment’ Geography which looks at the inter-relationshipsbetween people and their varied environments, and the questions, issues andproblems which arise from these relationships. It is an environmental approach, whichcontains a balanced mix between the physical and human environments.

Can I study Geography if I have not studied it at GCSE?

Yes, if you have a keen interest in the environmental issues and problems that facepeople and the planet, then you are more than welcome on the course. Instead of aGCSE Geography grade we will look at your GCSE English Language grade.

WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL IGET INVOLVED IN?

Enriching your studies will be an importantpart of your time with the Department. Ourstrong links with The University of Liverpooland Manchester Metropolitan University willgive you the opportunity to attend lecturesand conferences at these Universities aswell as presentations by guest speakersvisiting Carmel’s Geography Department.

An integral part of the AS course will be amemorable three day residential based atArnside Youth Hostel, which provides abase for field investigations on theLancashire coast, Cumbria and NorthYorkshire. In conjunction with HiddenCountry Field Studies, you will conduct fieldinvestigations on coastal defences,beaches, sand dune systems, urban andrural rebranding, enabling you to develop awide range of geographical skills in the field.

A2 students have also had the opportunityto take the Coyote Trail across thesouthwestern state of America, visiting theGrand Canyon and Bryce Canyon NationalParks as well as Lake Powell, MonumentValley and Los Angeles. In 2009, the A2students spent six incredible days inIceland. They visited Reykjavik and thesurrounding landscape and landforms ofthis volcanically active zone. Volcanoes,geysirs, glaciers and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge– a lifetime experience!

As a student in the department you will alsoget the opportunity to take part in nationalcompetitions such as ‘Earthwatch’ whichcan give you the opportunity to take part ininternational conservation expeditions.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARECARMEL’S GEOGRAPHYSTUDENTS?

The emphasis on hard work, active learningand enjoyment is reflected in theachievements of our students:

Morecambe 2010

Sandscale Haws 2010

Iceland 2009

2010 EXAMINATION RESULTS

A2 AS

A* - B 65% 35%

A* - C 90% 54%

A* - E 100% 95%

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge - Students mark theplate boundary separating the AmericanPlate from the Eurasion Plate (Iceland 2009)

Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland 2009moreinformationmoreinformationExam board:www.edexcel.com

The Geographical Association:www.geography.org.uk

The Royal Geographical Society:www.rgs.org/HomePage

Calculate your own EcologicalFootprint:http://ecofoot.org/

Reykjavik Harbour, Iceland 2009