Geography O'level

The study area SEC Geography is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). GSCE Geography is informed by Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

The study of geography enhances the student’s awareness of man’s global physical and human environment. In fact, the main subject focus is on natural and human environments using scientific method and qualitative and quantitative research. This is achieved by means of geographic methods, including observation, data gathering and interpretative skills. The knowledge, understanding and skills obtained help the student to form proper values and attitudes, as well as to assess, interpret and attempt solutions to spatial socioenvironmental problems. Therefore, the student’s role in society will be more effective. 

The syllabus aims at providing teachers of Geography a choice of materials which should suit a variety of teaching approaches. It also provides educators and students with an opportunity to assess and react to environmental problems through a local, national and global perspective. The syllabus content focuses on contemporary geographic issues such as climate change, globalisation, management of energy resources and habitat destruction. It aims to instil in students an interest and a sense of wonder in places, the physical processes that shape our world, and how people and environments inter-relate and inter-connect. Through the various modes of coursework introduced with this syllabus, teaching and learning geography will now be integrated with assessment. This will enable learners to make correct value judgements when editing/correcting their own work, encourage questioning, instil investigative and constructive skills by making use of different media as well as create an atmosphere where learners develop their own problem-solving skills.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• apply skills required in using different types of maps including topographical maps at different scales within the context of human and physical landscape
• demonstrate an understanding of how to measure and record the weather, explore characteristics of different weather systems and their effect on the environment. 
• describe the formation of the three main types of rock and the processes of their weathering with an emphasis on limestone (karstic) landscape
• demonstrate an understanding of coastal processes resulting in the formation of distinctive landforms and investigate some coastal management strategies
• demonstrate an understanding of river processes resulting in the formation of distinctive landforms and investigate some river management strategies
• demonstrate an understanding of the formation of landforms at different plate margins and the causes and impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes
• evaluate different energy sources to achieve a secure and sustainable energy system in the European Union
• demonstrate an understanding of how physical aspects such as climate, soil and human activities affect the natural vegetation and environment
• demonstrate an understanding of models of urban structure, the causes and effects of urbanisation, population distribution, change and structure as well as analyse the causes and consequences of migration
• demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics, development and impact of the four economic sectors of the economy and investigate contrasts in development between MEDCs and LEDCs
• demonstrate an understanding of techniques used to collect, present and analyse primary and secondary sources to write a report, reach conclusions and suggest recommendations