A Level Geography
Subject Leader:
Mrs H Muir
Exam Board:
Edexcel
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 in GCSE Geography.
Why choose A Level Geography?
Geography is visible in everything we do, constantly changing and adapting to differing scenarios. In an ever-growing world, the study of Geography is not only highly relevant, but essential if we are going to learn to live with changes over time. By studying Geography, students are exposed to a world of challenges, opportunities, and consequences to which they have the potential to make a big impact on now and in the future.
Geography bridges the arts and sciences and has many cross curricular links and will sit well with almost any other subject to provide a holistic level 3 education. Not only is Geography a fascinating, eye opening and relevant subject, it provides students with a wealth of transferable skills that are in high demand to potential higher education establishments and employers alike. Regardless of whether you intend to follow a geographical career path or something else, Geography opens doors and gives you essential skills for future progression.
What you will study in A Level Geography.
Area of study 1: Dynamic Landscapes
- Topic 1 – Tectonic Processes and Hazard
- Topic 2 – Landscape systems, process and change (coastal landscapes and change)
Area of study 2: Dynamic Places
- Topic 3 - Globalisation
- Topic 4 – Shaping places (regenerating places)
Area of study 3: Physical Systems and Sustainability
- Topic 5 – The water cycle and water insecurity
- Topic 6 – The carbon cycle and energy security
Area of study 4: Human Systems and Geopolitics
- Topic 7 - Superpowers
- Topic 8 –.Health and Human Rights
Fieldwork:
Student will be required to complete 4 days of compulsory fieldwork* during the two year course. The fieldwork will be closely linked to both their human and physical geography studies. The skills learnt here will enable students to develop their own independent investigations, which provides the coursework element of the A Level and 20% of the overall grade. In addition, there is the opportunity to take part in an international fieldtrip to Iceland which takes students on a memorable tour of The Golden Circle and the chance to experience living Geography.
Independent investigation
Following successful completion of fieldwork, students will be required to complete an independent investigation using the skills learnt. The question/issue to be investigated will be identified by the student and will be linked to one of the topics previously studied. Students must independently collect fieldwork data and secondary research to enable them to answer their pre-identified question.
How you will be assessed in A Level Geography.
The A level course is composed of 4 distinct areas of study: human geography;
physical geography;
a synoptic section based on geographical issues;
a coursework element (the independent investigation) into which fieldwork* and geographical skills will be incorporated.
| Paper 1 (physical) | 30% | Exam comprising of questions on topics 1, 2, 5 and 6. |
| Paper 2 (human) | 30% | Exam comprising of questions on topics 3, 4, 7 and 8. |
| Paper 3 (synoptic paper) | 20% | Exam comprising of an assessment on a pre-seen booklet of information linking to all parts of the course. |
| Independent Investigation | 20% | Coursework |
Progression and Careers linked to Geography.
As well as being a fascinating, dynamic and highly visible subject in day-to-day life, Geography is a brilliant step towards a wide range of higher education courses and/or employment opportunities. It is particularly useful for careers in environmental areas, human rights and international development, recreation and leisure, planning and management, the armed forces and emergency services amongst others. Students will develop a wide variety of transferable skills useful to future employers such as communication, the analysis and presentation of data, problem solving and environmental awareness.