Geography

Geography fieldwork

Geography is studied by all students at Brighton College when they enter the college in year 9.  In this first year, each student receives 2 lessons of Geography per week, and the aim is to enthuse them about the world in which they live with a vibrant syllabus.  Geography is then an option for GCSE study in to years 10 and 11. It is a popular subject at GCSE, and results in recent years have been strong.  Pupils have four lessons per week through both years of the course, and usually stay with the same teacher throughout.  The course has a combination of physical and human geography, allied to practical and mapwork exercises, and we always keep an eye on the news for stories wth a geographical slant.  This is not difficult in this day and age - every day brings a story to which geographers can bring their unique perspective to bear!

Thereafter, between 15 - 25 pupils elect to continue through to AS level and on to A2 in years 12 and 13.  Year 12 is split between two teachers who both teach physical and human Geography, with skills exercises interwoven. The syllabus is examined by a mix of short and extended answers in year 12. In year 13 there is a skills paper, based on fieldwork carried out on a residential 5-day course at Nettlecombe Court in Somerset, and a paper on Global Issues, examined by short answers and essay questions..

Each year, several Geographers elect to continue their studies at degree level on university courses.  The subject is prized by employers because it brings together a variety of analytical skills and numerical competence, as well as the ability to use ICT appropriately.  Geography matters - come and see the department to find out why.