Geography
watch our video
what our students say
"I chose to study geography because of my great interest in how the everyday world around us works - from learning 
about how habitats have adapted due to their changing environments, through to having an in-depth look at the economic and political tensions between superpowers, and how their actions have an effect on a global scale. One of the things I like best about geography is the opportunity to present a multitude of viewpoints for any one topic. For instance, being able to discuss China's investment into parts of Africa, such as Nigeria, and evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks it may pose on a national and global scale. Next year I am planning to apply for an apprenticeship at Microsoft, and taking geography has helped me to develop my ability to express my opinions on a topic, and this will be beneficial when working in a team-based environment." Davide Magli
Exam Board: Edexcel
‘Geography is a subject for our times. It is inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who have the skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences.’ (The Guardian, 2015)
Why study Geography?
Geography is a diverse and exciting subject which allows students to explore and understand the key environmental, economic, social and political challenges we face in the modern world. Geography is a popular and very successful A Level subject at Rugby High School and a high proportion of our students continue the subject at degree level.
Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice, the subject is unique in providing a bridge between the social and environmental sciences. As a facilitating subject, an A Level in Geography will keep more options open to you at university.
Course overview
Students will study the Edexcel specification which covers a wide range of physical and human topics taught by subject specialists.
Unit 1: Physical Geography 30% (Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes - short questions and extended writing)
A variety of topics will be covered including: Tectonic Processes and Hazards and The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.
Unit 2 Human Geography 30% (Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes - short questions and extended writing)
A variety of topics will be covered including: Globalisation and Superpowers
Unit 3 Synoptic Investigation 20% (Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes - short questions and extended writing)
The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that has been covered in Unit 1 and 2.
Unit 4 Coursework 20% (3000-4000 words, internally assessed and externally moderated)
Topic: Individually chosen by the student from a topic in either the human or physical content
There will be at least four days of fieldwork over the two year course.
Entry requirements
Students who have gained a 7, 8 or 9 in GCSE Geography would be ideal candidates for this course. Students must have gained at least a 6 in GCSE Geography.
It is also strongly advised that students have also gained at least a 6 in English and Maths.
Contact: Mrs Leah Browning, Head of Geography