Geography

What will I study?

AS Units

G1 - Changing Physical Environments

Investigating climate change
Investigating tectonic and hydrological change

You will look at the dynamic systems of climate and landform change and how people react to and manage those changes. You will develop an understanding of the complex and debated theme of climate change, an issue that will affect your lives and enable you to appreciate contrasting attitudes and values of it.

G2 - Changing Human Environments

Investigating population change
Investigating settlement change

You will focus upon the dynamic system of changing settlements and be introduced to the complex theme surrounding population change.

A2 Units

G3 - Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography

In section A, you will study two units: Coasts; you will study the landform developments of this environment and how the area can be managed. Development; you will consider impacts of trade, development indicators and the implications of third world debt.

In section B you will have the opportunity to research a pre-issued topic area from one of ten research themes. For example, crime, retail, rivers and micro-climates. Together with your class teacher you will decide which area to investigate. You will then use this information in your exam.

G4 - Sustainability

Pre-released material will be issued to you to explore and examine on a range of different topics. You will work through the resource folder and use classroom work in the assessment to make decisions about the specific topic.

In addition throughout both years, you will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in a range of different locations to support your learning.

How will I be assessed?

AS Units G1 and G2 will be assessed through a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper with three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests research/fieldwork knowledge.

A2 Unit G3 will be assessed through a 2 hour 15 minute written exam in two sections. Section A for 1 hour 30 minutes will assess the contemporary themes through two essay questions. Section B for 45 minutes will be a research enquiry write-up from pre-released material.

What will I need?

To have the enthusiasm to develop new geographical ideas and skills, face new challenges, debate key points, be able work to both independently and as a team, plus the capacity to undertake research at a range of scales.

What can this subject lead to?

Geography A-Level can lead to a range of different employment opportunities, from studying further at Degree level to employment in Conservation, Coastal Management, Education, Digital Mapping, Finance, Information Technology, Management, Town Planning, Tourism, Transport, Surveying, Law, Police Force and many more...

Entry requirements

B grade at GCSE Geography.