A Level
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant; it is one of the most valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world’s current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them: Global warming, sustainable food production, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, the reasons for migration and the future of energy resources are just some of the great challenges facing the next generation of geographers.
During the AS Course you will study a range of human and physical geography topics and consider the values and attitudes of decision makers:
Unit 1 will cover:
– Hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical storms
– Coastal environments and hot desert environments and their margins
– Contemporary urban environments focusing on questions of opportunity, equity and sustainability
Unit 2 will cover:
– Global governance such as understanding the problems associated with globalisations
– Changing places: understanding changes happening locally and how this compares to other places in contrasting areas of the world
– Geographical fieldwork & skills
At A2 level, you will continue to study human and physical topics as well as apply your knowledge and understanding of the AS course to encourage you to think synoptically – that is, to think like a geographer and prepare you for Higher Education or employment. The topics covered during the A2 course are:
Unit 1 will cover:
– Water and carbon cycles and their significance for human populations
– Coastal environments or hot desert environments
– Hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical storms; or ecosystems under stress; or cold environments
Unit 2 will cover:
– Global systems and governance
– Changing places
– Population and environment or contemporary urban environments or resource security
Unit 3 will cover:
– Individual fieldwork investigation
The new AS and A2 Level specification offers a wider variety of fieldwork opportunities which will be completed as part of a range of residential experiences either in the UK or abroad.
So … choose Geography if you enjoy:
– Getting to know the world through fieldwork
– Getting to know places and understanding other cultures
– Developing your understanding of the impact of globalisation on our lives and how we can manage this sustainably
– To develop a wide range of skills using computers and other technology; which employers and universities really value
ASSESSMENT
Examination
AS Geography
– Unit 1 Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (50% AS Level)
– Unit 2 Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (50% AS Level)
A2 Geography
– Unit 1 Paper: 2 hours 30 minutes (40%)
– Unit 2 Paper: 2 hours 30 minutes (40%)
– Unit 3: Individual Investigation (20%)
Exam Board: AQA
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
5 Grade 4s and above to include a 4 in Geography
PROGRESSION PATHS
– If taken with Science at A Level, it can provide you with the broadest careers options
– If taken with other arts subjects (e.g. History, English, Sociology), it can provide you with a science element, broadening your horizons and keeping your career options open
– It is a subject which is welcomed by universities (degree courses, BTEC and other vocational courses)
– It is recognised as a ‘facilitating’ subject at Russell Group universities
– It can offer you with the widest range of job opportunities than any other subject: For example – architecture, police force, IT, Law, personnel and management, teaching …
