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Geography

Course Name: Geography A Level
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Course Specification


What will you study?

Throughout the two years of study students will focus on four key geographical themes:

  • Dynamic Landscapes focusing Tectonic Processes and Coastal Landscapes and Change
  • Physical Systems and Sustainability focusing on The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity and the Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
  • Dynamic Places focusing on Globalisation and Diverse Places
  • Human Systems and Geopolitics focusing on Superpowers and Health, Human Rights and Intervention

Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 4 days of field work as part of their independent investigation.


What skills will you develop?

Geography forms the bridge between the natural and human world and the science and arts disciplines. The diverse nature of the subject engenders broad-minded, deep thinkers who learn from the world around them. Many employers recognise that Geography students have a wide variety of transferable skills ranging from enquiry- based data collection, presentation and analysis of data and the preparation and presentation of reports in written and oral form. Students of Geography are regarded as being skilled in making informed decisions based on a range of real world information.

Advanced Level Geography is a highly regarded academic discipline and valuable entry qualification to many higher education and degree courses. It combines well with other subjects such as Biology, Mathematics, Economics, History, Politics, Physics and Sociology and can be useful in a host of jobs, e.g. Land Management and Conservation, Town and Country Planning, Environmental Management and the Professional Services.


How will you be assessed?

Unit Content
Unit Assessment

Unit 1

30% of A Level

Focuses on Dynamic Landscapes, Physical Systems and Sustainability

2 hour 15 minute exam

Unit 2

30 % of A Level

Focuses on Dynamic Places, Human Systems and Geopolitics.

2 hour 15 minute exam

Unit 3

20% of A Level

Synoptic Decision Making Exam.  An unseen resource booklet is provided in the exam.

2 hour 15 minute exam

Unit 4

20% of A Level

Independent Investigation is based on field work carried out at A Level.

 

 

3000 to 4000 word written report based on field work.