Geography
at Balcarras School, Cheltenham · school or sixth form
What the college says
"There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable. Whatever your passion for the world - fascination with landscapes or concerns about inequality - geography will provide you with knowledge and transferable skills that will reward you personally and advance you professionally." Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the RGS-IBG. Through the subject we aim to develop an appreciation of the dynamic nature of geography with an interactive approach that examines the relationship between people and their environments. Equal importance is placed upon physical and human contexts, with an awareness of environmental issues and the application of geographical and fieldwork skills. Geography involves a variety of IT, field and laboratory analytical approaches including mastering techniques such as Geographical Information Systems. All of these skills are an integral part of the course. Prospective students should have an enquiring mind about landscapes and the world around them whilst displaying a high level of literacy and numeracy. There will be a variety of field day visits throughout the course to ensure that pupils can apply their learning and have the opportunity to experience data collection methods in preparation for the geographical investiga
What you need to get on
The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s in full GCSE courses. These must include a grade 5 or above in both mathematics and English language or literature. Students will also need to have achieved a grade 6 at full course GCSE-level in geography
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
BALCARRAS SCHOOL CHELTENHAM
EAST END ROAD, CHELTENHAM, GL53 8QF
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · CHELTENHAM
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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Wimborne · South West · 2 years
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Worksop · East Midlands · 72 weeks
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Sheffield · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
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Leicester · East Midlands · 2 years
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Benfleet · East of England · 2 years
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Walsall · West Midlands · 18 months
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Stoke-On-Trent · West Midlands · 2 years
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Newcastle Upon Tyne · North East · 2 years