Introduction

´The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together`. Barack Obama

Geography, an excellent subject for students to enable them to have a wider understanding and appreciation of the complex world around them. Geography occupies a central position in developing students´ understanding and helping them to interpret issues affecting people, places and environments, and change in both space and time. Geography at A Level builds upon skills gained at IGCSE or equivalent. Students widen their knowledge and understanding of the subject, while developing their investigative abilities and their evaluation and decision-making skills.  

Teaching

Students at XIC follow the Cambridge International AS & A Level Geography 9696.

The initial AS course covers key aspects of:

Physical Geography-Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology; Atmosphere and weather; Rocks and weathering.
Human Geography- Population; Migration; Settlement dynamics.

For the International A Level Geography students study the AS Level topics
and two options from:
Physical Geography- Tropical environments; Coastal environments; Hazardous environments;  Hot arid and semi-arid environments.

and two options from:
Human Geography-Production; location and change; Environmental management; Global interdependence; Economic transition.

Using a range of engaging learning activities and drawing on relevant, real life examples the following concepts underpin the course:
1. Space: the implications of spatial distributions and patterns.
2. Scale: the significance of spatial scale in interpreting environments, features and places from local to global, and time scale in interpreting change from the geological past to future scenarios.
3. Place:how places develop their distinctive characteristics
4.Environment: the need for environmental management and sustainability
5. Interdependence: how the complex nature of interacting physical systems, human systems and processes create links and interdependencies.
6. Diversity: the similarities and differences between places, environments and people.
7.  Change: the dynamic nature of places, environments and systems.

Why study Geography at XIC?

Located in the beautiful Alta Marina region of the Costa Blanca in Spain, XIC is ideally situated for students to study the amazing world around them.  We regularly visit and study the local and wider region so that pupils can see geography in action. A Level Geography at XIC helps pupils to develop a deeper and wider understanding of the changing world and helps to equip them for the 21st Century.  Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. Geography is a broad based subject which provides lots of opportunities for future progression. For example, geography 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. For careers in the world of business, an understanding of global economics forms an important part of geography. For a career in law, human rights, international relations or welfare, then geography gives students the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as; How do we measure development? What are the consequences of migration on societies? For future courses in medicine or veterinary medicine geography is a good choice to give A Level options the breadth that universities seek, as students will gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems as well as enhancing the skills of writing essays and extended reports.