The world in which we live is constantly changing; people move around for different reasons, countries change economically and politically, wars occur, natural disasters are frequent and caught on camera, goods are bought and sold across the world and we travel more than ever before. The growth of digital media means that we are more aware of what is happening in the world around us. We see the migrant issues in Europe, we hear about terrorist threats across the world and we see the devastation that earthquakes cause to people’s lives. 

By studying geography you will:

 • develop a lifelong interest in the world around you; 

• develop an understanding of the interaction between people and the environment;

 • be able to understand and empathise with issues that affect you as a global citizen;

 • apply your knowledge and understanding to real life situations; 

• develop a range of transferable skills that will be valuable for the world of work including working as part of a team, problem-solving, decisionmaking, creative thinking and managing information;

 • collect geographical data in the field and test geographical theory; 

 • develop ICT skills through new technologies including Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 

AS 1: Physical Geography 1 hour 15 minutes 

Section A: Answer all three compulsory, short, structured questions, one on each theme.

Section B: There are three questions requiring extended writing, one on each theme. You will answer any two questions.

40% of AS 16% of A level 

AS 2: Human Geography 1 hour 15 minutes 

Section A: Answer all three compulsory, short, structured questions, one on each theme. 

Section B: There are three questions requiring extended writing, one on each theme. You will answer any two questions. 

40% of AS 16% of A level 

AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques in Geography 1 hour. 

You will bring a table of data and a summary statement to the examination covering the aims and context for your fieldwork. There are two compulsory, structured questions. For Question 1 you may be required to present, analyse, interpret and evaluate your fieldwork data and the techniques used to collect it. For Question 2 you will apply your geographical skills to qualitative and quantitative data provided for you in the exam.

 20% of AS 8% of A level

 A2 1: Physical Processes, Landforms and Management 1 hour 30 minutes.

This paper has four sections. Each section corresponds to one of the four options and includes two structured questions. You will answer two full questions, one from each of your two chosen options.

 24% of A level 

A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography 1 hour 30 minutes. 

This paper has four sections. Each section corresponds to one of the four options and includes two structured questions. You will answer two full questions, one from each of your two chosen options. 

24% of A level

A2 3: Decision Making in Geography 1 hour 30 minutes.

This is a compulsory decision-making exercise in the form of a case study. You will be required to adopt and maintain a particular role. You will be required to examine conflicting values that may be apparent in the case study. You will be required to consider alternative choices and to make recommendations and justify them. 

12% of A level 

By studying geography you will gain a greater understanding of people and places, weather systems, tourism, sustainable development, cultures and issues affecting people and places across the world.

 This course will enable you to develop a wide range of transferable and employment skills such as investigating, collecting and recording data with accuracy, collating and evaluating information and being able to contribute to important debates on the current global issues. 

You may just wish to study geography for your own personal interest, but if you wish to continue the study of geography at degree level, you will need to complete the full A level course. 

Through your study of geography at A level you will develop a range of transferable skills that will be valuable for the world of work including working as part of a team, problem-solving, decision-making, creative thinking and managing information. 

Many of the topics or issues that you will study will be reported in the media, for example, environmental concerns such as flooding, earthquakes and global warming as well as human issues including migration, conflict, terrorism and war. This close link between studying geography and global issues could lead to careers in aid work, environmental management or governmental occupations. 

Many geography students go on to have successful and interesting careers in a wide and diverse range of areas such as urban planning, cartography, GIS applications, climatology, environmental management, weather forecasting, research, teaching and demography. Others use the skills acquired through the study of geography to pursue careers that require similar skills, for example, GIS related jobs, which is a growth area. 

If you choose A Level Geography, you may have the opportunity to take part in the following activities:

• Complete fieldwork on the River Shimna and Newcastle

• Develop your skills in field sketches and orienteering

• Take part in Fair Trade product fairs

• Build upon your teamwork skills