A-level Geography is spread over two years and divided into a number of modules. These aim to give students a balanced diet of both human and physical geography, as well as a sound understanding of geographic fieldwork and skills. It is aimed at those with a genuine interest in geographical issues and those who want to learn more about the way in which our world works.
Course content
There are 3 components to the course:
Component 1: Physical Geography
- Water and Carbon Cycles
- Hot Desert Environments & their Margins
- Hazards
How it’s assessed?
- Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 120 marks
- 40% of A-level
Component 2: Human Geography
- Global Systems and Governance
- Changing Places
- Population and the Environment
How it’s assessed?
- Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 120 marks
- 40% of A-level
Component 3: Geographical Investigation
Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.
How it’s assessed?
- 3,000–4,000 words
- 60 marks
- 20% of A-level
- marked by teachers
- moderated by AQA
Nb. All exams are taken at the end of the 2 years.
In the first year, students will study Changing Places, Global Systems and Global Governance, Water and Carbon Cycles, and Hot Deserts; students will also undertake fieldwork and skills-related learning.
In the second year, they will study Hazards and Population and the Environment, as well as undertake fieldwork and skills-related learning – they will also complete a Geographical Investigation in this year, which is worth 20% of the entire A-level.
There are 3 components to the course:
Component 1: Physical Geography
- Water and Carbon Cycles
- Hot Desert Environments & their Margins
- Hazards
How it’s assessed?
- Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 120 marks
- 40% of A-level
Component 2: Human Geography
- Global Systems and Governance
- Changing Places
- Population and the Environment
How it’s assessed?
- Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 120 marks
- 40% of A-level
Component 3: Geographical Investigation
Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.
How it’s assessed?
- 3,000–4,000 words
- 60 marks
- 20% of A-level
- marked by teachers
- moderated by AQA
Nb. All exams are taken at the end of the 2 years.
In the first year, students will study Changing Places, Global Systems and Global Governance, Water and Carbon Cycles, and Hot Deserts; students will also undertake fieldwork and skills-related learning.
In the second year, they will study Hazards and Population and the Environment, as well as undertake fieldwork and skills-related learning – they will also complete a Geographical Investigation in this year, which is worth 20% of the entire A-level.
Methods of Teaching & Learning
Our aim is to ensure that every student reaches their potential. As such, the department endeavors to support all students regardless of their starting point. Methods of teaching include the use of a range of interactive learning software, 1:1 and group workshops and discussion-based learning. Students are also given time to reflect and work independently, as well as within groups and often lead in their own learning and the learning of others.
Students will develop a wide variety of transferable skills, many of which are based in numeracy and literacy. They will also develop a critical awareness of a wide range of literature and be able to assess them in an increasingly independent way. We expect our students to be up to date with current affairs and the latest geographical developments.
Assessments in this subject range from in-class examinations, homework, coursework and small group presentations.
Our aim is to ensure that every student reaches their potential. As such, the department endeavors to support all students regardless of their starting point. Methods of teaching include the use of a range of interactive learning software, 1:1 and group workshops and discussion-based learning. Students are also given time to reflect and work independently, as well as within groups and often lead in their own learning and the learning of others.
Students will develop a wide variety of transferable skills, many of which are based in numeracy and literacy. They will also develop a critical awareness of a wide range of literature and be able to assess them in an increasingly independent way. We expect our students to be up to date with current affairs and the latest geographical developments.
Assessments in this subject range from in-class examinations, homework, coursework and small group presentations.
Resources
Independent learning is vital at A-level and students are expected to carry out a minimum of four hours study per week. Our A-level library enables students to access a wide range of text books, journals and geographical literature, including Geography Review Magazine, to name a few. We also have a well-populated and up to date virtual learning environment, where you can access our lesson materials and lots of wider reading.
Independent learning is vital at A-level and students are expected to carry out a minimum of four hours study per week. Our A-level library enables students to access a wide range of text books, journals and geographical literature, including Geography Review Magazine, to name a few. We also have a well-populated and up to date virtual learning environment, where you can access our lesson materials and lots of wider reading.
Enrichment
Fieldwork is an essential component of the course. Students can expect to undertake 4 days of compulsory fieldwork during the 2 years (2 physical and 2 human). We also endeavor to run a residential trip to the Eden Project in year 1 and an overseas trip in year 2.
Fieldwork is an essential component of the course. Students can expect to undertake 4 days of compulsory fieldwork during the 2 years (2 physical and 2 human). We also endeavor to run a residential trip to the Eden Project in year 1 and an overseas trip in year 2.
Progression
Geography is recognised as both a Science and an Arts A-level and therefore complements a wide variety of subjects. Geography is one of the 'facilitating' A-levels because of its academic rigor and the skills it arms students with and as a result is often appreciated as one of the three A-levels that a graduate should have. The breadth that Geography offers makes it a very desirable subject for a wide variety of careers, including environmental management, humanitarian and development work, engineering, architecture and town planning, journalism, law and business management and GIS applications (digital mapping).
Geography is recognised as both a Science and an Arts A-level and therefore complements a wide variety of subjects. Geography is one of the 'facilitating' A-levels because of its academic rigor and the skills it arms students with and as a result is often appreciated as one of the three A-levels that a graduate should have. The breadth that Geography offers makes it a very desirable subject for a wide variety of careers, including environmental management, humanitarian and development work, engineering, architecture and town planning, journalism, law and business management and GIS applications (digital mapping).
Where can this course lead?
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