Studying Geography at Godalming has broadened my love for the subject and I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about natural hazards and responses to them; the water and carbon cycles and contemporary urban environments. I found the theories behind natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis and the range of factors that can affect the level of impact upon people and places engaging to learn about. Also, the varying urban forms and patterns of inequality and diversity was a new area of interest I developed from the course. I was inspired to complete an EPQ on urban sustainability which has really enhanced my enthusiasm for human geography. I like that whichever topic I’m focusing on, I can always relate it to what’s happening in the world now.
In the first year, I did an enrichment course in International Development which was beneficial to support the A-level. Learning about a range of case studies from around the world, such as Mumbai, Myanmar and Detroit has been another great part of the course. I have found exam technique like question timings difficult, but the range of past questions available from the college has helped me to improve. Going forward, I’m interested to learn more about environmental issues and inequality and the strategies that can be adopted to combat them.
Before I arrived at Godalming, I was uncertain over which subjects to choose alongside Geography, eventually deciding on Biology and Ancient History which have complimented Geography well from an essay-based and scientific perspective. The coursework element was challenging but we did it in the first year and the summer so this made it more manageable and it taught me useful geographical skills which will help me in the future at university. Later this year I will hopefully be studying Geography at the University of Oxford- an exciting opportunity that the college and Geography department have helped me to access.