Entry Requirements

GCSE Geography grade 6 or higher. 

Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel

Why Study Geography?

The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing, with a particular focus on environmental awareness, globalisation & natural hazards. Whilst studying this fascinating subject, you will develop your ICT, presentation and research skills through group work, decision making, map-reading, analysing / processing data and compiling your own independent enquiry. 

What Topics Will I Study?

Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards

Topic 2: Coasts, Landscapes & Change

Topic 3: Globalisation

Topic 4: Regenerating Places

Topic 5: The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity

Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Topic 7: Superpowers

Topic 8: Superpowers

Topic 9: Health, Human Rights and Intervention

How Will I Be Assessed?

Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be assessed by a written exam at the end of the linear A-Level course. Both exams will last 2 hours and 15 minutes each unit will be worth 30%. Paper 3 is a synoptic investigation on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course, where you assess and evaluate a global issue. The exam will last 2 hours and 15 minutes and will be worth 20%. The independent investigation unit is a non-examined assessment and is worth 20% of the qualification. You are expected to produce a written report of 3000-4000 words that is based on fieldwork on a topic of your choice, related to the course content. 

Fieldwork

This course requires the student to attend a compulsory field trip (as A-Level geography requires a minimum of four days of fieldwork); details to be confirmed by the subject teacher during Academic year and for which there is a cost.  This will give them an excellent and valuable head start on their independent investigations. 

Examples of the Type of Work Involved

You will be involved in field work, data analysis and statistical testing, cartographic skills, group work, report writing and GIS & ICT. Independent research is also an essential skill, which will enable you to broaden your understanding of the course content and develop case studies for use in the exams. We will also be discussing various articles and wider reading which will help to develop your understanding further. 

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

An A Level in Geography opens doors! You will find that studying geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of HE courses and/or employment opportunities.

Further education: geographers can go on to study higher level courses, including foundation degrees, undergraduate degrees and/or BTEC Higher Nationals.

Employment:  geographers can go into a wide range of jobs, including; advertising, education, environmental work, climate research, hazard management, business management, finance, law, marketing, retail / sales, social / health services, travel and tourism

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying This Course

Students will benefit from conferences, guest speakers and field trips. There will be one compulsory field trip in the UK.