Nature of the Subject

The Geography A Level allows learners to develop a global and international awareness through gaining a deeper understanding of their subject and making links between different aspects. Some of the key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Geography include: scale, change over time, place, spatial variation, cause and effect, systems, challenges and opportunities, environmental interactions, diversity, equality and inclusion. 

The course aims to allow learners to develop: 

• A sense of place and space, and understand the importance of scale in geography.

• An understanding of the dynamic and complex interactions and interdependence between physical environments and human environments at various scales.

• A logical approach to extended writing in order to present a structured, coherent and evidence-based argument.

• To become informed and responsible global citizens who recognise the challenges and can evaluate ideas about sustainability.

An awareness of how the study of geography can help understand and solve contemporary environmental, social and economic problems 

Syllabus & Content

For Cambridge International AS Level Geography, candidates study all the following topics from the two core spheres of Geography:  Physical and Human Geography. In Year 12, the Core Physical Geography is made up of: Hydrology, River Processes and Hazards, Atmospheric Processes and Global Climate Change and Earth Processes and Mass Movement. 

Additionally, the Core Human Geography is made up of: Population and Migration, Water Resources and Management and Urban Areas and Management.

For Cambridge International A Level Geography, candidates study all the AS Level content and four A Level topics, a choice of two topics for Paper 3 and two topics for Paper 4. This choice is decided by the teacher as to which topics to cover for Paper 3 and Paper 4. 

In Year 13, from Paper 3 ‘Global Environments’ learners will either learn two topics from Tropical environments, Coastal environments, Hazardous environments or Arid environments. Then from Paper 4 ‘Global Themes’ two topics from Climate change impacts and governance, Environmental issues and management, Trade, aid and tourism or Disease and geography. 

Assessment

AS Level learners take two compulsory papers, Papers 1 and 2. A Level candidates take four compulsory papers, Papers 1, 2 (taken during AS Level Year), 3 and 4 (taken during A Level Year).

AS Level – Paper 1 – Core Physical Geography – 60 marks - 50% of the AS Level 25% of the A Level

And

AS Level – Paper 2 – Core Human Geography – 60 marks - 50% of the AS Level 25% of the A Level

Following year if continuing with A Level:

A Level – Paper 3 – Global Environments – 60 marks - 25% of the A Level – Learners choose two topics from a choice of four. Each topic consists of one compulsory structured question – 10 marks. And a choice of one of two essay questions – 20 marks.

And

A Level – Paper 4 – Global Themes - 60 marks - 25% of the A Level – Learners choose two topics from a choice of four. Each topic consists of one compulsory structured question – 10 marks. And a choice of one of two essay questions – 20 marks. 

Teacher Introduction

Students will appreciate the relevance of geography in analysing contemporary issues and challenges and develop a global perspective of diversity and change. 

The complexity and changing nature of human society require students to investigate a variety of perspectives using a range of study methods.