A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY A-LEVEL
Exam Board: AQA A-Level Geography
What are the benefits of the course?
This specification allows students to develop:
Their understanding of geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret our changing world;
Connections between the different aspects of geography;
Intellectual skills, such as critically evaluating theories and judging evidence in order to make informed decisions and to develop reasoned arguments;
Research skills, such as using a range of technical methods for the collection and analysis of spatial and environmental data, and undertaking fieldwork;
Transferable skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, IT skills, communication skills (presentation, writing, debating).
What will I study?
The following units will be studied at A-Level:
Coastal Systems and Landscapes
Changing Places
Natural Hazards
Contemporary Urban Environments
Water and Carbon Cycles
Global Systems and Global Governance
Non Examination Assessment: 4 days spent collecting fieldwork data and following this the completion of the write-up.
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1 focuses on the physical geography taught, lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and consists of a mixture of short answer questions and a 20-mark question per topic. It is worth 40% of the A-Level grade.
Paper 2 focuses on the human geography taught, lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and consists of a mixture of short answer questions and a 20-mark question per topic. It is worth 40% of the A-Level grade.
The final component is an individual investigation that requires the student to complete an individual piece of fieldwork. The final piece is a 3,000—4,000 word write up, is marked by teachers and is worth 20% of the A-Level grade.
What does it lead to?
Geography develops a wide range of skills that can be used in almost any career. Employment opportunities are extensive, with careers in journalism and the media, the business world, the travel and tourism industry as well as in typical geographical careers such as meteorology. Employers are keen to make use of the intellectual, research and transferable skills that are developed through this course.
Geography is also a beneficial A-Level to have for applications to university, due to its broad base of knowledge and skills that are transferable to a large selection of courses.
Potential Careers include Town Planner, Tourist Officer, Environmental Consultant, Landscape Architect, Commercial Surveyor.
Entry Requirements:
Grade 6 at GCSE Geography and a grade 5 in English is essential.
Staff Contact:
Miss D Bunkell, Head of Humanities & Social Sciences