Geography

Qualification: A-Level

Awarding Body:
Edexcel
Length of Course:
2 Years

 

Course Description

Students will undertake three units, outlined below:

 

Paper 1: Physical Geography

Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards

Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change – including optional sub-topic- 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change

Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity

Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

 

Paper 2: Human Geography

Topic 3: Globalisation

Topic 4: Shaping Places – including optional sub-topic- 4A Regenerating Places.

Topic 7: Superpowers

Topic 8: Global Development and Connections – including optional sub-topic-  8A Health, Human Rights and Intervention

 

Paper 3: Geographical Applications

The specification contains three synoptic themes within the compulsory1 content areas:

  • Players
  • Attitudes and actions
  • Futures and uncertainties.

The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.

 

Paper4: Coursework

Independent investigation

 

Assessment

Unit 1 – (30% of GCSE Grade – 2hr 15mins examination)

Unit 2 – (30% of GCSE Grade – 2hr 15mins examination)

Unit 3 – (20% of GCSE Grade – 2hr 15mins examination)

Unit4- (20%- No examination)

 

Education possibilities after A level

The Russell Group of universities have identified Geography as a ‘facilitating subject’, highlighting its significance as an excellent academic subject which provides students with the core skills needed for further education. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment. Geography is a strong ‘facilitating’ subject at A-Level as it compliments both sciences and the arts.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Geography Grade 6. Well-developed literacy and numeracy skills are necessary to access parts of the course, a Grade 5 in both English and Maths is required.