GEOGRAPHY

Entry Requirements = GCSE Geography Level 5 and GCSE Maths Level 5.

Course Overview

A Level Geography encourages students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. The course will enable students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Students will grow as independent thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of Geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments.

A Level Assessments

Paper 1: Dynamic Landscapes

• Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 105 marks in total
• 30% of A Level

An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections.

Section A relates to Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards.
Section B relates to Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change. Students answer questions on either Topic 2A: Glaciated Landscapes and Change or Topic 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change.
Section C relates to Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity and Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.

Paper 2: Dynamic Places

• Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 105 marks in total
• 30% of A Level

An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections.

Section A relates to Topics 3 and 7: Globalisation / Superpowers.
Section B relates to Topic 4: Shaping Places. Students answer questions on either Topic 4A: Regenerating Places or Topic 4B: Diverse Places.
Section C relates to Topic 8: Global Development and Connections. Students answer questions on either Topic 8A: Health, Human Rights and Intervention or Topic 8B: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty.

Paper 3 – Synoptic Paper

Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
70 marks in total
20% of the A Level

An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. Students answer all questions in Section A, Section B and Section C.

Sections A, B and C all draw synoptically on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course.

Paper 4 – Coursework (independent Investigation)

70 marks in total
20% of the A Level

There will be fieldtrips to the Northumberland Coast, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Lake District. The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated. Students will produce a written report of 3000–4000 words which defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification

Progression into careers via:

Geography offers an impressive range of diverse opportunities and skills, a proven springboard to the career of your choice. The majority of students move on into higher education where Geography A Level is highly regarded. Geographical skills such as research and analysis are highly employable in both the public and private sectors, for example, in law, management, finance, advertising, the civil service, GIS, planning, the environment, overseas development, the foreign office, local government, chartered surveying, and education.

Length of Course:

A Level : 2 years

Examination Board:

Edexcel

Periods Per Week:

5 x 1 hour lessons