A Level - Geography

Course Summary

Subject: Geography

Course Title: A Level - Geography

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Age Group: 16-18

Course Description

This key stage 5 qualification provides progression from GCSE and covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. It also, importantly, shows the applied side of the subject - how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. Pupils will need to have a grade 6 in GCSE Geography and a grade 5 in English. The following components are covered and on completion of the course in year 13, students will take three exams in addition to the submission of fieldwork in May of year 13:

Component one - Dynamic Landscapes. Throughout this physical geography unit pupils have the opportunity to build on their knowledge of environmental issues, as covered in Geography GCSE paper 3, by studying The Water Cycle & Insecurities and The Carbon Cycle & Insecurities. Exam paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes) worth 30%

Component two - Dynamic Processes. During this human geography unit, pupils can build on their prior knowledge of globalisation, gained through their Geography GCSE paper 1 studies, by studying Dynamic processes, Superpowers and Global development and connections. Indeed even topics such as tectonic hazards, also covered in GCSE paper 1, provide a platform for A level geography as the topic is revisited but this time approached through the lenses of international relations and management allowing pupils to apply their knowledge to real life situations. Exam paper 2 (2 hours 15 minutes) worth 30%

Component three – Synoptic links in Geography. Exam paper 3 (2 hours 15 minutes) worth 20%

Independent Investigation:

Internally assessed investigation, including fieldwork opportunities. Worth 30%

Year 12

The human and physical units are taught alongside each other with Tectonic Processes and Hazards and Globalisation being taught in the Autumn Term. During the Spring Term, the Coastal Landscapes and Change unit is covered before our students prepare for and embark on their 6 fieldwork days. Year 12 concludes with the Water Cycle and Insecurities and Diverse Places units being taught during the Summer Term.

Year 13

Again, both the human and physical units are taught during the Autumn Term whereby Superpowers as well as the Carbon Cycle and Insecurities are covered. The Spring Term sees the conclusion of A-Level content with the Global Development and Connections unit taught, along with the Paper 3: Synoptic Link Skills unit. Bespoke revision forms the basis of the Summer Term prior to their linear exams in June.

Progression Routes

Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. The Russell Group report, published in 2011, names Geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. This is a preferred subject for entry to degree courses and choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options open at university, indeed in 2015, The Guardian identified geography as the 'must-have A Level'. Geography itself is also a broad based subject which provides lots of opportunities for future progression. For example, geography is an obvious choice for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, and managing the effects of hazards and climate change. For careers in the world of business, an understanding of global economics is key and this forms an important part of geography at A-level and beyond. Furthermore, if you are thinking of a career in law, human rights, international relations or welfare, then geography gives you the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as; How do we measure development? What are the consequences of migration on societies?

Enrichment Opportunities

• Opportunity to attend SEED lecture series hosted by the University of Manchester

• Six fieldwork days, moulded by pupils independent investigations

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