The Fifth Form (Year 9) course is  designed to open up a range of geographical topics of importance in the 21st century, which helps to underline the relevance of the subject and prepare pupils for GCSE. Pupils study a wide range of topics from Geopolitics, which includes conflicts in the Arctic and Antarctic, to the division of Sudan and South Sudan, to the Geography of Korea. We also introduce pupils to GIS (Geographical Information Systems), where they have the opportunity to develop their own GIS skills and explore the wide range of uses the software can offer.  

Pupils follow the AQA GCSE Geography syllabus in the Lower and Upper Shells (Years 10 and 11). The specification enables a variety of teaching and learning approaches. This exciting and relevant course studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them.   

Pupils take part in two separate fieldwork days, one to Eastbourne and one more locally to Spitalfields. There is also an opportunity to join the expedition to Iceland in the Lower Shell. There is no coursework element, but pupils write about their fieldwork in Paper 3. 

Fieldwork is an integral part of any geographical study and all A Level pupils currently attend a four-day fieldwork course in Nenthead, Cumbria. This offers the chance for first-hand investigation and the opportunity to apply theories and key ideas to a new location. There may also be opportunities to take part in an optional overseas expedition; recent destinations have included Morocco and Jordan.  

The John Stace Geography Society is a flourishing pupil-led society, with a remarkable range of external speakers as well as talks and presentations by senior pupils. This complements the central location of the School, allowing pupils the opportunity to attend lectures and events at the Royal Geographical Society and benefit from a range of close connections that the department has with a variety of business, environmental, geopolitical and civic organisations. 

We have an outstanding record of academic success, with 90% of Westminster candidates achieving the equivalent of an A* at A Level in 2021 – 2023, and A Level pupils regularly go on to study geography at top universities. And many have gone on to study Masters and PhDs.

Geography A Level is a versatile and broad-based qualification and is, therefore, an outstanding steppingstone to a career in business, law, diplomacy and the arts, as well as in the fields of science, technology and engineering. Alumni proceed to successful careers in a host of different field.