Geography
A Level Geography enables you to engage critically with real world issues and places, apply your own geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to make sense of the world around you. The specification offers an issues-based approach, enabling you to evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grade 5 in GCSE Geography or Grade 5 in either English Literature or Language and a grade 4 in Mathematics.
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Prepare to read around the subject in newspapers, magazine and internet articles.
- Fieldwork is an essential part of the A Level course and you will be expected to complete your own independent investigation as part of a residential trip.
- Expect at least 5 hours of additional independent work a week.
UNITS STUDIED
- DYNAMIC LANDSCAPES
- DYNAMIC PLACES
- PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
- HUMAN SYSTEMS
- INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
HOW IT IS ASSESSED
There are three externally-examined papers at the end of year 13 (80% of your grade).
- Paper 1: Dynamic Landscapes; Physical Systems and Sustainability (2 hours 15).
- Paper 2: Dynamic Places; Human Systems and Geopolitics (2 hours 15).
- Paper 3: Synoptic (2 hours 15).
- Non examined assessment (20% of A Level).
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Examining big issues at a variety of scales and from different perspectives.
- Collect, understand, interpret and communicate complex data.
- Subject knowledge relevant to many challenges facing society and the environment today.
PROGRESSION
- The transferable knowledge and skills developed by studying geography are actively sought out by employers.
- Complements future studies in both arts and science subjects at university.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?
Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future
Michael Palin
A Level Geography is one of the most relevant subjects you could choose to study. You will investigate vital issues including climate change, migration, environmental degradation and natural hazards. You will study both human and physical geography, with many of the issues often overlapping.