Geography Course Information
If you:
The main requirement to study ‘A’ Level Geography is an interest in the world around you and on desire to know more. It is preferable that you have a grade ‘B’ or above in GCSE Geography. However, if you are able and committed but have not taken GCSE Geography, you could take A Level Geography.
AQA
At AS, you will study core human and physical geography. In each area of study you will consider the values and attitudes of decision makers, consider your own values and attitudes to the issues being studied and support your learning of ideas through the study of specific case studies. You will also develop a variety of geographical skills including the analysis of maps, the interpretation and representation of statistics, and statistical analysis.
Written paper 2 hours
Weighting 70% of total AS/35% A Level marks
Basic, investigative, ICT, graphical, map and statistical skills.
Research skills and the assessment of AS Fieldwork.
Assessment
Written paper 1 hour
Weighting 30% of total AS/15% A Level marks
At A2, students will continue to study a combination of human and physical geography.
Written paper - 2 hours
Weighting 30% of total A Level marks
Geographical Issue Evaluation
Written Paper 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting 20% of total A Level marks
- Have an interest in and concern for the environment?
- Are interested in current affairs?
- Want to study a subject that is relevant to your own life and experiences?
- Want to take part in fieldwork activities?
- Want to broaden you AS Studies to cover both arts and sciences?
- Enjoy travel and finding out about people, places, landscapes and events?
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The main requirement to study ‘A’ Level Geography is an interest in the world around you and on desire to know more. It is preferable that you have a grade ‘B’ or above in GCSE Geography. However, if you are able and committed but have not taken GCSE Geography, you could take A Level Geography.
EXAMINATION BOARD
AQA
MODULES
AS Level
At AS, you will study core human and physical geography. In each area of study you will consider the values and attitudes of decision makers, consider your own values and attitudes to the issues being studied and support your learning of ideas through the study of specific case studies. You will also develop a variety of geographical skills including the analysis of maps, the interpretation and representation of statistics, and statistical analysis.
Unit 1: Physical and Human Geography
- Rivers, floods and management
- Why do river channels vary downstream?
- What processes are happening in river channels?
- How can we manage the increasing risks of flooding?
- Cold Environments or Coastal Environments
- Population Change
- Population Characteristics – why will you have to work until 68?
- How was migration affected the character of
villages and towns?
- Health Issues
Written paper 2 hours
Weighting 70% of total AS/35% A Level marks
Unit 2: Applied Geography
Basic, investigative, ICT, graphical, map and statistical skills.
Research skills and the assessment of AS Fieldwork.
Assessment
Written paper 1 hour
Weighting 30% of total AS/15% A Level marks
A2 Level
At A2, students will continue to study a combination of human and physical geography.
Unit 3: Contemporary Geographical Issues.
Topics will include:- Plate tectonics and hazards associated with volcanoes and earthquakes
- Weather and climate
- Challenges facing ecosystems
- World cities – evolution or revolution
- Development and globalisation
- Contemporary conflicts and challenges
Written paper - 2 hours
Weighting 30% of total A Level marks
Geographical Issue Evaluation
Written Paper 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting 20% of total A Level marks
WHERE DOES IT LEAD?
- Geography can be studied as a BA or BSc
- Geography forms the core of a wide range of specialised and often vocational degree courses such as Environmental Management and Town Planning
- Geography is a traditional academic subject, which supports applications for almost any science-based university courses like Engineering, Psychology, Ocean Geography and Geology. If Geography is taken alongside Humanities subjects like English, French, History or Economics it provides a base for such courses as Business, Law, Media, Politics and Philosophy.
