Geography

It combines knowledge and ways of learning from both the arts and the sciences, helping students’ analytical, descriptive and interpretive skills to thrive. It’s a fantastic companion subject to so many other A Levels, providing knowledge and skills that will help students achieve fantastic results across all subjects.

Geography helps us to understand the world around us, from environmental processes to social pressures in areas local to us or on the other side of the globe. In Sixth Form, Geography students develop an understanding of their global responsibility and interdependence with other people. We encourage our pupils to develop their own opinions and attitudes, and learn how to form a comprehensive argument.

“Geography is one of those richly comprehensive subjects whose relevance is all around us. Where we come from, what we do, what we eat, how we move about and how we shape our future are all directly the province of the Geographer. More than ever we need the geographer’s skills and foresight to help us to learn about our planet – how we use it and we abuse it” – Michael Palin

Geography A Level

The specification we study in Sixth Form emphasises the changing nature of the world we live in. The main aim of the course is to enable students to develop an understanding of how and why physical and human environments are changing, while at the same time acquiring valuable geographical skills.

The course places great emphasis on the interdependence of places and on people’s attitudes and values. You will gain an awareness of and an insight into Geographical issues such as climate change and overpopulation, among many others.

Physical Geography A Level topics include:

• Coastal systems and landscapes
• Hazards (volcanic, seismic and storms)
• Water and carbon cycles

Human Geography A Level topics include:

• Global systems and governance (globalisation) 
• Changing places and population
• Urban environments

Co-curricular Activities:

• Fieldwork is an essential component of any Geography course and at Sheffield Girls’ we place great value on our fieldwork expeditions as a way for our students to develop their skills and interests in the subject. It is essential to experience geography first hand to bring to life the topics our students study, rather than just sitting in our classrooms and reading about them. At A Level students participate in fieldwork during residential trips to London and North Yorkshire.

Further Study and Employability

Geography A Level equips students with a huge range of transferable skills, from teamwork to independent research abilities, making Geographers extremely valuable to employees. Many of our students go on to study Physical or Human Geography at leading universities around the country.

Studying Geography could lead to careers in research, tourism, town planning, conservation and so much more. The ‘green economy’ and sustainability is a rapidly expanding part of the workplace. 

A Level Geographers at Sheffield Girls’ understand the links between places and people. They can look at complex systems in a straightforward way and are taught a wide-ranging combination of skills, drawing ideas from many sources. Geography A Level fosters qualities of independent thinking, teamwork abilities and a desire to learn about the world. It provides a firm base for life-long learning.