Geography

Course summary

Why study Geography at William Farr? A level Geography is a subject that bridges the sciences and the arts, offering students the chance to explore both human and physical environments and the relationships between them. Geography at William Farr is popular because it combines expert teaching with an enthusiasm for exploring the world. With staff who have exam board experience, lessons are both rigorous and inspiring. Students benefit from fieldwork opportunities and enrichment activities that deepen their understanding of global issues, such as the opportunity to act as Geography Ambassadors, leading assemblies and activities for events such as Earth Day, inspiring younger pupils and promoting sustainability across the school community. What will you study? The course tackles contemporary and often controversial issues such as population change, ecosystems under stress, urban and rural dynamics, and the importance of natural cycles and systems. Alongside these themes, students develop a wide range of transferable skills, including constructing coherent arguments, interpreting and analysing data, solving real world planning and management problems, and using geographical instruments. Collaborative fieldwork also strengthens social skills, encouraging teamwork and effective communication. Assessment is divided into three components: Physical Geography and Human Geography, each examined through a 2½ hour paper worth 40% of the qualification, and an independent fieldwork investigation worth 20%. Fieldwork is a compulsory part of the course, with four days of practical study—mainly in Year 12—designed to build initiative, self reliance, and the ability to work independently as well as in groups. These experiences, combined with the analytical and problem solving skills gained throughout the course, prepare students not only for academic success but also for the demands of an increasingly competitive world.