Will the UK governments tree planting pledges be effective at restoring the carbon cycle to achieve net zero emissions?  Is the coronavirus recession reversing anthropogenic global warming? How does the UK protect human rights in a post-Brexit world? 

Why Geography?

There has never been a greater need for geography literacy.  At Harington School, our A-level geography students handle real world data to answer these and other questions our world faces and emerge with the skills and knowledge fit for the 21st Century.

The diversity of topics, skills and issues is one reason we love the course. The OCR A-level is engaging, diverse and challenging – One minute you are studying the sustainability of fish stocks in UK waters, the next media representations of urban renewal in Fletton Quays, Peterborough and Barcelona, Spain.

By studying geography, you are also on a pathway with bright prospects.  The Royal Geographical Society and Higher Education Careers Service Unit reports geographers remain among the most employable with less than 5% unemployed or looking for work. A-level geography also compliments further study in the sciences and arts. Our students have gone on to study medicine, archaeology, music, meteorology amongst many others.

Why Harington?

Students at Harington will be supported by experienced teachers who draw on their careers in industry, research interests, and passion for the subject to drive student success.  The Harington Geographers have consistently achieved results above the national average in every year of the reformed geography A-Level.  This makes them some of the most successful in the local area and nationally.

To support their progression to University, apprenticeships, or first career, our students are encouraged to follow their interests, to complete online learning modules at Tertiary Education Providers and complete Extended Project Qualifications.  This support leads to strong UCAS statements and students who have much to be proud of. With their CV’s boosted, our students receive places at Russell Group Universities extending from University of Edinburgh to University of Exeter.

If you ask any geographer, travelling will be one of their top passions. As part of the course we explore local geographies to prepare for an independent investigation.  We complete a 4-day residential  to North Norfolk savouring the “Big skies, wide beaches, and subtle beauty” whilst honing  your fieldwork and statistical skills. Of course, no field work would be complete without collecting primary data on ice-creams and local delicacies.  From this foundation, our students produce exceptional projects ranging from exploring how economic change has influenced the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Oakham to what extent has urban rebranding and regeneration changed the profile of Manchester CBD over time?

We have run trips to Sicily and the Aeolian Island (2018 Lonely Planet top 10 regions) in October half term providing students an incredible experience, relevant knowledge of active tectonic environments and much needed sunshine!

At Harington School, our geography teachers have been inspired by books like the Sunday Times best seller, Factfulness by Hans Rosling and Atmosphere of Hope by Tim Flannery.  Both suggest we can be optimistic about the future, and with support at Harington, our students can be optimistic about their futures too.

The OCR A level in Geography has been designed to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to become engaged global citizens. Through the study of dynamic and contemporary content, learners can understand and interact with issues which affect people and places at a range of scales from local to global – and all that is in between.

A level in Geography will enable learners to:

• Develop their knowledge of locations, places, processes and environments, at all geographical scales from local to global.
• Become confident and competent in selecting, using and evaluating a range of quantitative and qualitative skills and approaches, (including observing, collecting and analysing geo-located data) and applying them as an integral part of their studies.
• Understand the fundamental role of fieldwork as a tool to understand and generate new knowledge about the real world, and become skilled at planning, undertaking and evaluating fieldwork in appropriate situations.

Geographical and fieldwork skills are fundamental to the study, practice and discipline of geography. A four day residential is planned for the end of Year 12 to enable students to apply the theory studied in the classroom and to collate data for independent investigation. The estimated cost of residential fieldwork is £200.

Geography combines well with both Arts and Science subjects. It is an obvious choice for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change. In the world of business an understanding of global economics forms an important part of geography. Geography is a good choice to give your A level options the breadth that universities like, as well as enhancing your skills of writing essays and extended reports.

Physical Systems (01): (24% of A Level, 1 hour and 45 mins exam)

Human Interactions (02): (24% of A Level, 1 hour and 45 mins exam)

Geographical debates (03): (32% of A Level, 2 hour and 30 mins exam)

Investigative Geography (04/05): (20% of A Level, Centre Assessed)

For admission to A level Geography, our usual minimum requirements are:

• Students will need to have achieved a grade 6 or above in Geography.