What is Geography?

Turn on your TV almost any day and you will see coverage of events such as flooding, storms or earthquakes and hear about issues such as sustainability and global warming.  These events and issues are at the very heart of Geography.  By studying Geography you will gain an awareness of your own responsibilities and how you can contribute to a future that is sustainable and inclusive.

Why study Geography?

In studying this course you will:

Take part in fieldwork, collecting data at first hand;

Explore the interrelationships between people and their environments;

Investigate how physical and human resources are managed;

Consider interdependence between countries and the need for co-operation to tackle global issues;

Have opportunities to use geographical skills including appropriate technologies such as GIS. 

What will I study?

The course consists of two themes:

Unit 1:  with a focus on the natural world.
Unit 2:  with a focus on man and his environment.

Unit 1 consists of three themes:

A:  Rivers, coasts and their interaction with man.
B:  Weather, climate change and man.
C:  Earthquakes and man.

Unit 2 consists of three themes:

A:  Population, settlements and issues in cities.
B:  Development issues and problems.
C:  Resources, resource management and sustainable tourism.

Fieldwork Investigation

You will investigate a geographical problem or issue.

Collect and analyse data and reach conclusions on the problem.  The investigation is undertaken as a group activity but the report must be produced individually.

All of the work for this fieldwork activity is carried out during normal geography class time.

You will not write up any parts of the fieldwork at home.

Fieldwork Investigation

Careers directly related to the geography course are:

Many geographers also choose careers in:

The nature of working lives is changing.  It is less likely that someone will spend all of their working life in one organisation or even in the same sector.  If your career path is to be varied, you will need transferable skills and flexibility: geography provides you with these.