Link

Main Menu

Home

16 to 18

Student Views

“Most of my year group chose Prior, so I had lots of friends from the start but I've also made new friends. It's a great campus with a nice atmostphere and there's lots to do in Guisborough.”
-Andrew Stonehouse, Ex-Nunthorpe School

Geography

AS/A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY

We are the biggest provider of Earth Sciences in the Tees Valley area and the only Sixth Form College to offer Geography, Geology and Environmental Studies as separate subjects at AS and A’ Level award. Geography A’ level has had 100% pass rate for the last 3 years.

Many of our students do a combination of two different Earth Sciences! This serves to ease the burden of the work load and support other science and humanities studies. All three subjects are:-

Taught in designated classrooms and well equipped teaching laboratory
Taught from scratch- no prior knowledge is assumed
Free from coursework
Include optional fieldwork locally and internationally

WHAT IS GEOGRAPHY?

Geography examines the interaction of people and their environments throughout the subject content. The use of regional examples and case studies is seen as fundamental to a meaningful understanding of geographical concepts and principles. These detailed studies are to be undertaken at a variety of scales from the local through to the global, encompassing areas at a variety of stages of economic development. For example: What is global warming? Is it natural or induced by people’s activities and pollution? Who will benefit and who will lose from global warming? Can we do anything? How will Redcar suffer from sea level rises caused by global warming?

WHY SHOULD I STUDY GEOGRAPHY?

Do you have an enquiring mind that likes to study geographical and scientific evidence and link these to current affairs and people? You will not be disadvantaged by not having a GCSE in Geography. The A2 modules provide an opportunity to deepen and broaden your understanding. A2 topics include coasts, volcanoes, earthquakes, tourism and managing cities. Geography is a National Curriculum subject – ideal for potential teachers and combines well almost any other AS level.

Geographers at Prior travel further! We offer a trip to New York in the second year of the course. This is a chance to experience life and see many famous sights and in a World City.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

In the first year of the course you will study the following two modules:

MODULE 1 – Physical and Human Geography

Rivers, floods and management
Coastal environments
Global population change
Energy issues or Health issues.

MODULE 2 – Applied Geography Candidates are required to develop investigative and geographical skills on maps, satellite images, photographs, graphs and charts etc.

Upon successful completion of the AS you will have the opportunity to progress to the second year of the course where you will study a further two modules:

MODULE 4 – Contemporary Geographical Issues

Plate tectonics and associated hazards
Weather and climate and associated hazards
Challenges facing ecosystems
World cities – evolution or revolution?
Development and globalisation
Contemporary conflicts and challenges

MODULE 6 – Geographical Issue Evaluation

Pre-released information prepared in advance and tested under exam style conditions.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Both the AS and A2 are assessed by written examinations. There is no coursework.

COURSE COMMITMENT

You will be expected to attend two or three local field visits as part of the skills section of the course. You should aim for 100% lesson attendance and homework completion to deadlines set.

COURSE COSTS

Local field visits have a £10 contribution in total for the year. The optional Manchester residential visit is approximately £55 all inclusive.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

You will not be disadvantaged by not having a GCSE in Geography. You need to have GCSE grade C in English. If in doubt, please consult with us.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Most AS Geographers progress to a full A’ level in the second year and many choose Geography or Earth Science degrees at university. There are many careers that use Geography, in particular; law, accountancy, armed services, planning, teaching, journalism and even medicine to name but a few!