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Head Department:
Mrs M Smith
Why choose the subject?
Geography is a dynamic and up to date subject, which explores a variety of physical and human themes. Through studying geography you will develop a wide range of skills, including written, graphical and statistical skill; as well as the ability to evaluate the success of schemes and to consider different viewpoints on issues. Students will participate in fieldwork in local coastal and urban locations and will produce their own independent investigation for the A level qualification.
Geography offers a good balance with a wide range of other subjects and is valued highly by employers, colleges and universities. Geography is a facilitating subject for many courses. Most importantly, A level Geography inspires a lifelong interest in, and an enquiring approach to, the world around us
Who is eligible?
You should be interested and enthusiastic to study Geography A Level. Ideally you will have obtained at least a grade 6 at GCSE although in some circumstances students have studied A Level without doing the GCSE. You would need good grades in English, Mathematics and Science in this case. You will be expected to take an active part in lessons and to carry out wider reading and individual research.
Qualification Type: A Level (2 year) or AS Level (1 year)
Specification: Year 2023/2025 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: Edexcel
For info about the AS Level click here
Dynamic Landscapes
• Tectonic Processes and Hazards • Coastal Landscapes and Change • The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity • The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Dynamic Places
• Globalisation • Regenerating Places • Superpowers • Health, Human Rights and Intervention
Synoptic Investigation
The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue in a specific location that links to the three synoptic themes of: • Players • Attitudes and actions • Futures and uncertainties
It will draw on knowledge and understanding from Paper 1 and Paper 2.
PAPER 1 (Code 9GEO/01): Dynamic Landscapes
2 hours, 30% of qualification, 90 marks.
PAPER 2 (Code 9GEO/02): Dynamic Places
2 hours, 30% of qualification, 90 marks.
PAPER 3 (Code 9GEO/03): Synoptic Investigation
1 hour 45 minutes, 20% of qualification, 60 marks.
COURSEWORK (Code 9GEO/04): Non-examined assessment
20% of qualification, 60 marks.
Students choose a question ‘or issue for investigation’ related to any aspect of geography contained within the specification. The investigation will incorporate fieldwork data, research and/or secondary data. Students will produce a written report of 3000 – 4000 words that is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Students with Advanced GCE Geography have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. You will learn and use a variety of transferable skills throughout the course. These include collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating your findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand and recognised by employers and universities as being of great value.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, geography complements several other A-Level courses, including mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology and economics.
Future Careers:
Town or transport planning, surveying, conservation, sustainability, waste management.
Students can study geography for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.
Year 2023/24 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: EdExcel
PAPER 1 (8GEO/01) Dynamic Landscapes
Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Topic 2: Coastal Landscapes and Change. 1 hour and 30 minutes, 50% of the qualification, 80 marks.
PAPER 2 (8GEO/02) Dynamic Places
Topic 3: Globalisation, Topic 4: Regenerating Places. 1 hour and 30 minutes, 50% of the qualification, 80 marks.
