Expectations of Independent Study Five hours per week Why is it interesting? “Geography is a spatial science; helping us all to better understand the world’s people, places and environments and the interactions between them whether at the local, national or global scales.” - Rita Gardner, Royal Geographic Society. “Geographic information is critical to promote economic development, improve our stewardship of natural resources and protect the environment.” - Bill Clinton, Former US president. “Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, it is one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world’s current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.” - Michael Palin, President of the RGS. What skills and knowledge will I develop by studying this subject? A Level Geography will give you a highly transferable employment ‘skill set’ such as giving presentations, IT skills including GIS, independent study, working as part of a team, time management and excellent written communication and problem-solving skills in complex situations. You will also develop subject specific geographical skills such as producing and using maps, data handling and analysis, primary and secondary data collection and the valuable ability to ‘think like a geographer’; to evaluate and see an issue within a wider context. This course would be suitable for students who have the following skills and interests: You will deepen your understanding of geography with a more intensive study of key elements which will extend your geographical understanding beyond the topics studied at GCSE. This will include the study of different types of landscapes; key processes such as the carbon and water cycles; how places change; global perspectives and a wide range of other topics. You will undertake fieldwork and more extended pieces of work including an individual research project. What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject? “There is a growing recognition amongst both governments and the private sector that an understanding of location and place is a vital component of effective decision making.” United Nations. The wide range of skills and knowledge obtained in the A Level course provides a good foundation to go on to a Geography degree but it is also a good base for other degrees such as International Development and Earth Sciences. You can go places with Geography! Career pathways include: Accountancy, Audit Associate, Business Management, Disaster Response Management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) consultant, Engineering, environmental monitoring/planning, Journalism, Law, Media, Meteorology, Oceanography, Philosophy, Politics, Policy Advisor on Climate Change, Real Estate Advisor, Tourism Travel Advisor, Town Planning, Weather Producer/Presenter.