Embarking on the A Level Geography online course at Cambridge Home School Online (CHS) offers students a pathway to not only understand the world’s geographical complexities but also prepares them for higher education and a myriad of career opportunities. Recognised by prestigious universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale, this course provides a rigorous and engaging curriculum that nurtures both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Course Overview
Specification and Qualification
The A Level Geography course at CHS follows the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) 9696 specification. This qualification is highly regarded and widely accepted by universities around the world. The course duration is two years and requires an (I)GCSE Geography grade of 6 or higher (grade B) for entry.
Beyond School
Completing A Level Geography opens doors to a variety of university degrees such as Human and Physical Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, and Tourism Studies. These degrees lead to diverse career options, including roles as a geologist, geographer, environmental scientist, conservationist, cartographer, landscaper, environmental manager, surveyor, or geographic information systems manager.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Geography as a subject extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to engage with the world around them. Participation in activities like the Duke of Edinburgh programme, camping trips, trekking, kayaking, or bouldering enhances their learning experience. In school, joining the Royal Geographical Society and participating in events like the Geo Olympiad provide further enrichment.
Course Description
The A Level Geography online course at CHS is meticulously structured to provide an in-depth understanding of geographical phenomena. Students learn to articulate complex issues such as climate change, sustainability, urban development, and geopolitical challenges. The course emphasises both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate and solve real-world problems.
The A Level Geography course at Cambridge Home School Online is meticulously structured to cover a wide range of topics that are divided into four key papers. Each paper is designed to give students a deep and comprehensive understanding of both physical and human geography, as well as advanced topics that are crucial for higher education and professional applications.
Paper 1: The Physical Core
Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology
- Key Concepts: Study the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth, focusing on rivers and their processes.
- Topics Covered: River systems, flood hydrographs, river erosion, transportation and deposition, river management strategies.
Atmosphere and Weather
- Key Concepts: Understand atmospheric processes and their impact on weather patterns.
- Topics Covered: Atmospheric structure, weather systems, climatic zones, global warming and climate change, weather hazards such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
Rocks and Weathering
- Key Concepts: Examine the formation, classification, and weathering of rocks.
- Topics Covered: Rock cycle, types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic), chemical and physical weathering processes, mass movement and its impact on landscapes.
Paper 2: The Human Core
Population
- Key Concepts: Analyse population dynamics and their implications on society.
- Topics Covered: Population growth and decline, demographic transition model, population policies, ageing populations, migration trends and impacts.
Migration
- Key Concepts: Study the causes and effects of human migration.
- Topics Covered: Types of migration (internal, international), push and pull factors, impacts on source and destination regions, refugee movements, policy responses to migration.
Settlement Dynamics
- Key Concepts: Investigate the development and characteristics of human settlements.
- Topics Covered: Urbanisation trends, rural-urban migration, urban planning and management, slum development and management, sustainable cities.
Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography Options
Students are required to study two of the following advanced physical geography topics:
Tropical Environments
- Key Concepts: Focus on the ecosystems and climatic conditions of tropical regions.
- Topics Covered: Tropical rainforest ecosystems, biodiversity, deforestation, climate variability in the tropics, conservation strategies.
Coastal Environments
- Key Concepts: Explore coastal processes and landforms.
- Topics Covered: Coastal erosion and deposition, wave dynamics, coastal management strategies, impacts of sea level rise, human interaction with coastal environments.
Hazardous Environments
- Key Concepts: Study natural hazards and their impacts.
- Topics Covered: Types of hazards (volcanic, seismic, hydrological), risk assessment, disaster management, case studies of major natural disasters, mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Arid and Semi-Arid Environments
- Key Concepts: Understand the physical and human challenges in arid regions.
- Topics Covered: Desertification, water resource management, adaptation to arid climates, sustainable development in arid zones, human impact on desert environments.
Paper 4: Advanced Human Geography Options
Students are required to study two of the following advanced human geography topics:
Production, Location, and Change
- Key Concepts: Analyse economic activities and their geographical implications.
- Topics Covered: Industrial location theories, globalisation and its impact, economic restructuring, the role of technology in production, sustainable development.
Environmental Management
- Key Concepts: Study the strategies and challenges in managing the environment.
- Topics Covered: Environmental policies, resource management, pollution control, conservation efforts, international environmental agreements, case studies of successful environmental management.
Global Interdependence
- Key Concepts: Examine the interconnectedness of the global economy and societies.
- Topics Covered: Trade patterns, international aid, global financial systems, cultural exchange, the impact of transnational corporations, issues of global inequality.
Economic Transition
- Key Concepts: Understand the processes of economic change in different regions.
- Topics Covered: Development theories, economic growth in emerging markets, challenges of transitioning economies, the role of international organisations, comparative studies of economic transitions.
Detailed Breakdown of Topics
To provide a more structured and clear overview, here is a tabulated summary of the topics covered in each paper:
| Paper | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Paper 1: The Physical Core | Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology, Atmosphere and Weather, Rocks and Weathering |
| Paper 2: The Human Core | Population, Migration, Settlement Dynamics |
| Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography Options | Tropical Environments, Coastal Environments, Hazardous Environments, Arid and Semi-Arid Environments |
| Paper 4: Advanced Human Geography Options | Production, Location, and Change, Environmental Management, Global Interdependence, Economic Transition |
Key Skills Developed
Throughout the course, students will develop a range of valuable skills:
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse and interpret data from a variety of sources.
- Research Skills: Conduct independent research and present findings.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Apply geographical knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluate different perspectives and form reasoned arguments.
- Communication Skills: Articulate complex geographical concepts clearly and concisely.
Recommended Textbook
- Nagle, G. and Guinness, P. (2016): Cambridge International AS and A Level Geography, 2nd edition, Hodder, ISBN: 9781471868566
Required Equipment
Students will need the following items:
- Pencil, ruler (30cm), eraser, pencil sharpener, black/blue pen, red biro, green biro, pencil crayons (minimum: red, blue, green, brown, black, purple, orange, yellow, pink), a pair of compasses, a piece of string (30cm), and a protractor.
- A basic calculator is also useful.
Homework, Assessment, and Reporting
Students are expected to complete a minimum of one homework assignment per week for each subject. To reinforce learning, an hour of independent study should match every hour of formal teaching. Progress is tracked through a series of assessments:
Assessment Schedule
- Level 5 Internal Assessments: June
- Level 6 Internal Mock Assessments: November and March
Reports are issued at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms for Level 5, and after the mock assessments for Level 6 in both the Autumn and Spring terms. These reports include grades for attainment and effort across subjects, along with feedback from Success Coaches and the Head Teacher.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to engage with the school through their family Teams account. This platform allows for ongoing dialogue with teachers, offering detailed tracking of academic progress throughout the year, beyond the traditional annual parent consultation evening.
Conclusion
The A Level Geography online course at Cambridge Home School Online is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. The structured curriculum, combined with a range of extra-curricular activities and robust support systems, ensures that students are well-prepared for higher education and future career opportunities. By fostering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, CHS equips students to understand and engage with the world around them, paving the way for their success in various academic and professional fields.
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FAQ
What is the duration and qualification of the A Level Geography course at CHS?
The A Level Geography course at Cambridge Home School Online (CHS) follows the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) 9696 specification and spans over two years. This qualification is widely recognised by universities around the globe.
What are the entry requirements for the A Level Geography course?
Students need to have an (I)GCSE Geography grade of 6 or higher (grade B) to enrol in the A Level Geography course at CHS.
What career opportunities are available after completing A Level Geography?
Graduates can pursue various degrees, including Human and Physical Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, and Tourism Studies. Career options include roles such as geologist, environmental scientist, cartographer, conservationist, and more.
What extra-curricular activities complement the A Level Geography course?
Students are encouraged to engage in activities like the Duke of Edinburgh programme, camping, trekking, kayaking, and bouldering. They can also join the Royal Geographical Society for further enrichment through awards, competitions, and lectures.
How is student progress assessed in the A Level Geography course?
Students complete weekly homework assignments and are encouraged to match each hour of formal teaching with an hour of independent study. Progress is tracked through internal assessments in June for Level 5 and mock assessments in November and March for Level 6, with reports issued at the end of each term.