Subject Video
Geography A Level @AHS.mp4Why study Geography?
Geography is a 'facilitating' subject that develops the transferable, key skills that employers are looking for; and can lead to a very wide range of employment opportunities. According to the UK's higher education statistics agency, Geography graduates are among the least likely to be unemployed (HESA, 2017).
You will investigate the forces influencing our natural environment; the issues affecting people and the places where we live; consider how people affect the environment; the forces that drive the world economy and the decisions being made about the use and management of resources. You will gain a deeper appreciation of current events and world problems during what is an exciting and intrinsically contemporary course.
Entry Requirements
A 6 in Geography GCSE is a requirement if you have taken it. Alternatively, a 6 in another humanity GCSE.
Special features of the course
Geography A Level supports applications for almost any science-based university course, including Engineering, Medicine, Psychology and Environmental Studies. It supports an equally wide range of humanities courses such as Business, Law, Politics and Philosophy. A Level Geographers are required to undertake 4 days of fieldwork and you will complete three of these days via organised trips in Buckinghamshire and in London, over the course of Year 12. Together, these days provide skills for students to build on when they carry out their own fieldwork investigation, later in the A Level course.
Costs
Field trips approx. £100
Students will also have the option to purchase a subscription to Geographical Review for £15 per year for a quarterly magazine to extend knowledge and understanding of the Geography course.
Where can I find out more?
See Mr Longworth, Miss Kilkenny or Mrs Mills in the Geography Department or any of the current A Level students. Alternatively, email slongworth@ahs.bucks.sch.uk.
Careers for geographers:
Geographical's University Directory
Going Places with Geography video
What can you do with a Geography degree?
The 'must have A level'
The Guardian view on geography: it’s the must-have A-level
AQA Geography A level:
How is the course organised?
In Y12 you study
Coasts
Population and the environment
Changing places
Water and carbon cycles
In Y13 you study
NEA
Global systems and global governance
Natural Hazards
Throughout the course you will develop your geographical skills, including ICT, graphical, cartographical and statistical skills, and you will become competent in collecting, analysing and interpreting a range of data, as well as critically questioning data sources.
You will also complete an independent investigation (NEA) of 3 – 4,000 words based on a question or issue that you have defined, using data you have collected.
Assessment
Component 1 Physical Geography 2½ hours 40%
Component 2 Human Geography 2½ hours 40%
Component 3 Geographical Investigation Non exam assessment 20%