A level geography

What will I study?

This is a course for people who enjoy both human and physical environments and are looking to study Geography in more detail. Global issues of natural hazards, population growth and migration, economic change and climate will be explored in this subject. You will analyse the interactions between people and their environments, through topics such as the rebranding of rural and urban areas as well as river flooding. This subject gives you the opportunity to develop your research skills based on fieldwork investigations locally.

Course Content

What is involved at A Level?

A Level Geography is split into three components for the AQA exam board:

Component 1- Physical Geography: This is assessed by a 2.5 hour exam that accounts for 40% of the A Level.

• Coastal systems (what landforms and processes are found at the coast and how is it being managed)

• Hazards (hazards in the lithosphere; volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis and in the atmosphere including hurricanes and flooding)

• Water and carbon cycles (the key cycles which help to run the planet)

Component 2- Human Geography: This is assessed by a 2.5 hour exam that accounts for 40% of the A Level.

• Global systems and governance (how countries develop, and how we are operating increasingly at the global scale, including TNCs)

• Changing places (an opportunity to examine environmental and social challenges associated with urban growth and changing society)

• Contemporary urban environment

Component 3- Geographical Investigation: This is a 3000-4000 word investigation worth 20% of the A Level.

• Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field.

• Students complete a 4-5 day field trip to a location such as the Lake District or Isle of Arran to collect data in order to complete the investigation.

Progression

With an A Level in Geography you will develop a whole range of employability skills and a world view with a certain cultural sensitivity, helping you stand out in the labour market. You could also go on to study Geography at university. Many geographers work in transport and environmental research and management and as writers and researchers. In Geography the skills learned are transferable and will be valuable in securing other, not obviously related, occupations such as in accountancy and law.