Examination Board: Edexcel

Topics:

·     Tectonic processes and hazards

·     Landscape systems and processes

·     The water cycle and water insecurity

·     The carbon cycle and energy security

·     Climate change and climate change futures

·     Coastal landscapes and coastal change

·     Globalisation

·     Changing and shaping places

·     Superpowers

·     Global development and global connections

·     Migration patterns and an investigation into human rights

Skills acquired:

·     Cartographic skills and techniques at a range of scales.

·     Undertaking independent research, investigation and fieldwork.

·     Statistical skills and techniques.

·     Using modern information technologies such as geographical information systems.

·     Decision-making skills.

·     Development as a global citizen recognising the challenges of sustainability.

·     Planning, analysing and evaluating data.

Assessment:

All assessment for Geography will be sat in the summer of 2023. There are no examinations sat in year 12 as this is a linear, 2 year course.

Module 1 (30%) A physical geography exam.

Module 2 (30%) A human geography exam.

Module 3 (20%) A synoptic examination which brings together human and physical geography topics.

Module 4 (20%) Independent coursework. Students will conduct 4 days of

fieldwork and will write up their investigation into a 3000 word report that draws upon fieldwork and detailed independent research.

Geography is an essay-based subject, students are required to write the majority of their examinations in essay format.

What other courses often combine successfully with this?

·     Biology/Chemistry – Environmental  studies

·     Languages – European Studies

·     Maths/Physics – Earth Sciences, Meteorology, Physical Geography, Surveying

·     Psychology – Human Geography, Social aspects, Planning

·     History/Religious Studies – Politics, Archaeology, Humanities Foundation

·     IT – Business, Commerce

·     Art/Product Design – Planning, Design (Landscape)

·     PE/Biology – Sports Studies

The Russell Group universities regard geography highly and favour applications with these keystone subjects.

What career or higher education options might this course lead to?

An A Level in Geography opens doors!

You will find that studying geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of higher education courses and employment opportunities. Have a look at the Sixth Form Aspiration Board for a range of exciting careers and high education courses.

Further Education:

Geographers can go on to study higher level courses, including Foundation degrees, Undergraduate degrees and BTEC Higher Nationals.

Employment:

Geographers can go into a wide range of jobs, including; advertising, education, finance, landscape architecture, law, marketing, retailing, travel and tourism, management, information technology, environmental management, social and health services, sales and many more.

Geography graduates are highly employable, due to the wide ranging skills students develop. Geography graduates have one of the highest employment rates after leaving university.

What extra-curricular activities support this course?

·     Geographical Experience – Opportunities to visit Iceland or China.

·     Four day residential trip to Somerset.

·     Study/Revision Courses including Tectonics conference in London.

·     Geography Conferences at the University of London.

·     Lectures at the local ‘Geographical Association’ Centre.

·     Visiting guest speakers in a range of geographical careers.

Important information:

A level Geography now includes a module of coursework which requires students to write a 3000-4000 word report. This report is based on fieldwork that students have independently carried out across 4 days. To facilitate this, the department will run a residential fieldtrip to Devon at an approximate cost of £450 (moderate financial assistance may be available).

Quotations from students:

“I have really enjoyed the course; there have been plenty of interesting topics covered. I especially liked the fieldwork investigation; it helped me to understand the issues much more clearly”.