Geography

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirement of a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above applies. The knowledge, understanding and skills acquired through GCSE Geography would help in the introductory stages. Grade C in GCSE Mathematics would be beneficial. Students must have a strong interest in Geography and be willing to read around the subject.

AS Level Course Detail

Unit G1: Changing Physical Environments and Unit G2: Changing Human Environments. Topics include; investigating earthquakes, volcanic hazards, drainage basins and floods, the growth and decline of an urban area and the dynamics of global populations.

A2 Level Course Detail

Students develop their research skills and choose to investigate two of the following topics; extreme landforms (desert of tundra), landforms and their management (glacial or coastal environments), climatic hazards, development, globalisation or emerging Asia (India or China). Students will also have the opportunity to carry out individual research and out of classroom work, including fieldwork on a pre-set title based on a range of prescribed topics, including the geography of crime, leisure and recreation, the geography of disease, environmental psychology, rivers the geography of retailing, ecosystems, atmospheric water and pollution, microclimates and deprivation.

AS Assessment & Examination Detail

Both units of work (G1 and G2) carry 25% weighting in terms of the advanced qualification and are assessed by means of a 1 hour 30 minute, structured extended data response question with stimulus material.

A2 Assessment & Examination Detail

G3 is 30% of the final qualification; section A is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute paper consisting of two essay questions (one human, one physical), section B is assessed by a research based enquiry.

G4 is 20% of the final qualification; it is assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute written paper, based on pre-released resources; students enter the exam prepared for a rigorous assessment of their knowledge and skills.

Additional Information

Assuming you attain a grade in the AS course then you can upgrade to the A2 course in Year 13. The geography course provides numerous opportunities for students to apply and develop their key skills. Students will develop their own attitudes, perceptions and values in a subject with high relevance to everyday life. The course is good preparation for a range of undergraduate courses, whilst the skills acquired can also benefit students seeking employment.