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A Level Syllabus
The H2 Geography syllabus (9173) consist of four clusters.
Cluster 1: Development, Economy and Environment
Cluster 2: Tropic Environments
Cluster 3: Sustainable Futures and Climate Change
Cluster 4: Fieldwork
Cluster 1: Development, Economy and Environment
Topic 1.1 introduces the concept of sustainable development to encompass economic, social and environmental dimensions. In the context of the global economy, the natural environment is both a provider of input for human activities and the absorber of waste produced by human activities. Students will learn the importance of managing natural resources sustainably to meet present and future needs.
Topic 1.2 highlights the complexity of the global economy through the relationship between people and the economy at different scales. The global economy connects places together and creates interdependence between places. Yet, unevenness in the flows will result in variations in development level. Students will also understand the relative influence that various actor have in the global economy.
Cluster 2: Tropical Environments
Topic 2.1 examines climatic and hydrological systems, with a focus on the tropics. Students will understand the spatial patterns in the environment and the underlying dynamics and processes underpinning them at different scales.
Topic 2.2 explores the processes that work together to shape the earth's surface, creating landforms that contribute to the splendour of the physical environment. Students will also appreciate that as humans continue to build settlements in the physical environment, these landforms will also be impacted by anthropogenic activities.
Cluster 3: Sustainable Future and Climate Change
Topic 3.1 gets students to explore the challenges and opportunities to making cities sustainable. Through the study of the management of waste, slums and urban reimaging, students will build an understanding of the complementarity and tension between sustainability and liveability.
Topic 3.2 looks at contemporary climate change in relation to past changes in Earth's climate. Students will also study how contemporary climate change might impact humans before exploring the possible responses to cliamte change, and the challenges associated with the planning and implemetation of these responses.
Assessment format
H2 Geography (9173)
H1 Geography is not offered in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H2 Geography a content-heavy subject?
The short answer to this question is no (if you know how to prepare for the assessment). Undoubtedly, there will be lots of readings and notes provided by your teachers, and a buffet of case studies and examples will also be taught during weekly lectures and tutorials. However, you need not memorise or even remember all of them. You just need to pick and choose a few key and strategic examples which you are interested in and can elaborate on them well to illustrate your conceptual understanding on the various subtopics. Your consistent effort, discipline and correct study technique are crucial to navigate through the various lesson material that your teachers are going to prepare for you. While content mastery is part of the subject requirement, to do well, there are also other geographical and writing skills that students need to acquire. Only with the knowledge then can there be wisdom.
Can I take both H2 Bio and H2 Geo given that both subjects are so-called content heavy subjects?
There are many batches of your seniors whom have opted for this combination and have performed well at the ‘A’ Levels. For example, for the 2022 JC1 cohort, about 20% of the cohort are taking both H2 Geo and H2 Bio. The key question that you should ask yourself is whether you have interest in both of these subjects. With passion and interest, you will find the learning of the various concepts and case studies in H2 Geography a breeze and very logical as the subject is essentially about people and places around the world. If you work hard, you will also do well for both subjects. This is because the nature of both subjects is that so long as you put in the effort to cover the breadth of material, you can do well in the ‘A’ Level assessment as the questions are often straight-forward. The school strongly encourages students to take up their own subject of choice for the A levels. With a strong interest and passion for the subject, it would make learning much more enjoyable. So, if you like both Biology and Geography, go ahead and take both!
Is Upper Secondary Geography very different from ‘A’ Levels Geography?
Not exactly, but the content covered in ‘A’ Levels Geography are much more contemporary and at greater depth. For example, the topics of ‘Weather and Climate’ and ‘Climate Change’ are also taught at the ‘A’ Levels and can be considered as an extension of the learning you have done at Upper Secondary.
If I did not do ‘O’ Level Geography, can I take Geography?
While some of the skills and knowledge at the 'O' Levels may be useful. 'O' Level Geography is not a pre-requisite for 'A' Level Geography. That said, be prepared to work even harder to acquire those new knowledge and skills! Your teachers would support you along the way and try to bridge that gap. So, do not be afraid to make that leap!
Is ‘A’ Levels Geography a prerequisite subject for any university courses?
No. But the study of geography at the ‘A’ Levels can give you a solid grounding to read subjects like environmental science, environmental engineering, urban planning, policy and environmental studies, sociology, as well as business administration and management. With the current concerns of climate change, ageing of populations, and the spread of pandemics and epidemics, the study of ‘A’ Levels geography will become even more crucial as a foundation for future university courses and H1 General Paper. This is because the subject trains you to consider issues from multiple vantage points and exposes you to a wide range of contemporary topics.
Can I still choose to study H2 Geography even if my intended combination is not on the list of four H2 Subject Combinations?
Yes. You just have to submit your option as an odd combination which many of your seniors have done. There is nothing odd about submitting an odd combination. As long as you have strong interest in the subjects you are choosing, you should go for that combination. It can really help you to do well at the ‘A’ Levels. I wish you all the best in your subject choices!
How are A Levels marked?
Most questions are point-marked. Only questions with the command word 'Evaluate' and essay questions will be marked using the generic level descriptors. Do have a look at the information above for a clearer idea.
Is there 10-year series?
There isn't a 10-year series available for A Level Geography. However, the RV Geography department would curate our very own set of revision package as well as suggested answer key for the past years' A Level papers to prepare you for the assessment. This is essentially the same as (or even better than) a 10-year series (& it is free)!
For any further queries, please feel free to approach any of the JC teachers (see Contact Page).
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