Page 18 - Pathways Booklet 2023 latest

Geography

Geography

We study the OCR B (9-1 for enquiring minds) specification. The following are the key topics:

Urban Futures: Never before has the landscape of the planet looked more urban. Cities are growing at
unprecedented rates. This topic seeks to explore why and consider how the global pattern of urbanisation
is changing. Urban challenges and opportunities are varied and unique and learners will examine these
through studying two cities, one from an advanced country (AC) and one from either an emerging and
developing country (EDC) or a low-income developing country (LIDC). Within each city, contrasting ways of
life, geographical processes, problems and solutions will be studied in order to gain a holistic understanding
of what makes up the urban fabric of each place.

Dynamic Development: We live in an unequal world, where the gap between prosperity and poverty is
widening. This topic asks learners to consider the changing nature and distribution of countries along the
development spectrum before examining the complex causes of uneven development. The future for LIDCs
is uncertain and will be investigated through an in-depth study of one country, considering its development
journey so far, how its global connections may influence the future and possible alternative development
strategies.

Changing Climate: Climate change is one of the most controversial global issues of the 21st century. In this
topic learners will analyse patterns of climate change from the start of the Quaternary period to the present
day, considering the reliability of a range of evidence for the changes. Learners will study the theories
relating to natural climate change and consider the influence of humans on the greenhouse effect. Social,
economic and environmental impacts of climate change on both local and global scales will be examined.

Distinctive Landscapes: The UK contains a diverse and distinct range of landscapes. This topic gives learners
the opportunity to unravel the geographical processes that make them distinctive. A deeper understanding
of the geomorphic processes that shape rivers and coastal landscapes is developed and consideration of the
human influence on these.

Global Hazards: This topic allows learners to develop an understanding of a variety of hazards that impact
human lives both within the UK and worldwide. Learners investigate how weather can be hazardous, gaining
knowledge of the major processes within the atmosphere and their impact in creating extreme weather.
This is contextualised through two case studies of natural weather hazard events. Earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions are just some of the deadly hazards we face on Earth. Not only do they impact humans, but they
also shape our land. An understanding of tectonic hazards is developed, exploring the causes, consequences
and responses to a tectonic event of choice.

UK in 21st Century: A diverse range of cultures, identities and economies make up the patchwork of the UK.
This topic poses questions about the changing nature of people’s lives and work in the UK in the 21st century.
It asks learners to consider some of the drivers for this change. As new economic superpowers emerge,
questions have been posed about the global significance of the UK. This will be investigated through a study
of the UK’s political and cultural connections with the rest of the world.

Resource Reliance: Supplies of food, energy and water are three of the most challenging issues the world
faces. Significant numbers of people are resource poor, whilst others consume more than their fair share.
This topic investigates emerging patterns, where demand is outstripping supply, before taking the issue of
food security and considering the question ‘can we feed nine billion people?’ Learners will investigate what
it means to be food secure, how countries try to achieve this and reflect upon the sustainability of strategies
to increase food security.

Ecosystems: Life on Earth is supported by global ecosystems and the link between human wellbeing and
ecosystem wellbeing is vital. This topic seeks to explore the distribution and characteristics of the Earth’s