Field-course options for GCE A-levels, tailored for the WJEC specification:
Level |
Unit |
Topic |
Fieldwork |
A/S |
G1 Changing Physical Environments |
2 Hydrological change |
HYDROLOGY AND FLOOD MANAGEMENT STUDY – Downstream changes in river channel processes and characteristics, plus a visit to a defence scheme to discuss reasons for flood risk and flood management in the town |
A CASE STUDY OF THE RIVER WYE – The impact and management of flooding | |||
G2 Changing Human Environments |
2 Investigating Settlement Change |
URBAN INEQUALITY IN CARDIFF – A comparative study of inner city, (includes studentification), suburban and urban-rural fringe areas, looking at residential quality, environmental quality and other indicators | |
REGENERATION OF CARDIFF BAY – An evaluation of the success of the regeneration scheme, considering social, economic and environmental implications | |||
ABERGAVENNY CBD STUDY – A look at changes to shops and services, movement patterns and sphere of influence. Data may be used to determine whether or not Abergavenny has become a clone town | |||
RURAL INEQUALITIES – Investigating the differences between declining and growing villages. Themes covered include second homes, counter-urbanisation, decline in rural services and changes to the rural economy | |||
A2 |
G3 Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography |
A2 Landforms and their management |
GLACIATION STUDY – A visit to the Brecon Beacons to sketch and/or map a range of erosional and depositional landforms including cirques, arêtes, pyramidal peaks, U-shaped valleys and different types of moraine, including Kame and Kettle |
COASTAL EROSION AND MANAGEMENT – A study into coastal processes and landforms on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Students assess current management and investigate alternatives, for comparison with the defences at Aberthaw power station | |||
SAND DUNE MANAGEMENT – Visitor impact on Kenfig Nature Reserve, and management strategies | |||
REGENERATION OF CARDIFF BAY – Considering the environmental costs and economic benefits of the Cardiff Bay barrage. Visits to Mermaid Quay, the Cardiff Bay Barrage and compensatory nature reserve | |||
A5 Globalisation |
INDUSTRIAL CHANGE IN EBBW VALE – Socio-economic and environmental impacts of industrial decline, changing employment, and investment by global companies in this former steel making town | ||
B Individual Research Enquiry |
Studies offered under this section are dependent on the topic areas set by the examination board. Potentially we may offer studies on the themes of deprivation, leisure, micro-climates, pollution, retailing, rivers and ecosystems. Please contact the centre for more information. | ||
G4 Sustainability |
1 Food |
FARM VISIT – Providing an excellent case study of a Welsh hill sheep farm. The farmer talks to students about the changing face of agriculture, and the role of EU policy in directing these changes; diversification; use of technology in agriculture; farming in a National Park. |