What Will Students Learn?
Students begin by building a foundational understanding of the planet's physical and human systems. They study natural processes shaping the Earth - such as tectonic activity, weather systems, climatic zones, coastal and fluvial landscapes, water and carbon cycles, and ecosystem dynamics. Alongside physical geography, learners explore population patterns, migration, urbanisation, globalisation and the interrelationships between humans and environments.
As the course advances, study broadens to global development, resource management, environmental change, sustainability, and the challenges posed by climate change, global inequalities and socio-economic pressures. Students conduct fieldwork, collect and interpret primary data, and analyse spatial trends using maps and GIS principles.
Skills & Understanding Developed
- Interpret data, maps, graphs and statistics to identify spatial patterns and environmental trends
- Fieldwork, observation, case-study research, data collection, methodological design and report writing
- Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making for environmental challenges
- Geographical argumentation, structured writing and evaluation of evidence
- Interdisciplinary thinking equipping students for academic study and global citizenship
Examination Structure
| Unit | Title / Focus | Assessment Format |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Foundations of Geography - Earth systems, tectonics, coastal and fluvial systems, water and carbon cycles | 1h 45 min - short-answer and structured |
| Unit 2 | Applied Geography and Global Systems - development, population, urbanisation, resource use | 1h 45 min - data-response and essay |
| Unit 3 | Synoptic Geography - physical + human integration, sustainability, climate change | 2h 30 min - open-response and essay |
| Unit 4 | Independent Investigation (Fieldwork/Research) - individual or group fieldwork project | Coursework: written report + documentation |
Full IAL awarded on completion of all four units.
Higher Education & Career Pathways
- Environmental Science, Earth Science, Climate Studies, Sustainability and Ecology
- Urban Planning, Architecture, Geography, Geology, Environmental Management
- International Development, Global Policy, Humanitarian Studies, International Relations
- Environmental Law, Resource Management, Conservation, Disaster Management
- Business, Real Estate, Data Analysis, GIS, Surveying - with spatial or planning focus
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