Geography Summary

Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. Studying Geography at A Level enables students to explore and evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues such as the consequences of globalisation, responses to hazards, water insecurity and climate change. This is made possible through developing an in-depth understanding of physical and human geography, including understanding the complexities of people and environmental questions and issues. Due to its multidisciplinary approach, the study of geography encourages students to become critically analytical, reflective and independent learners. 

Geographers learn how to carry out data analysis, and how to understand and interpret current affairs and world issues. They learn how to use geographic information systems that turn maps from a two-dimensional representation of a country’s physical contours into a tool that showing social features and attitudes: not simply where people live, but how and what they think. They learn about the physics of climate change, and the interaction of weather events and flood risk, and the way people’s behaviour is influenced by the space around them. 

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE Geography 

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

Pearson Edexcel

How you will study

The course is taught by 2 specialist teachers per year of study, with the course being divided into Human and Physical units. Units in Y12 include Coasts, Tectonics, Globalisation and Regenerating Places. Units of study in Y13 include the Water Cycle, the Carbon Cycle, Superpowers and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty.  

There are 4 compulsory days of fieldtrips which support the development and application of geographical skills alongside the coursework element of the specification, through which students execute a geographical enquiry of their own choosing.  

Component breakdown

Paper 1 – Physical Geography – 30% – 2hr 15min exam.
Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, The Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity 

Paper 2 – Human Geography – 30% – 2hr 15 mins exam.
Globalisation, Regenerating Places, Superpowers, Migration Identity & Sovereignty  

Paper 3 – Synoptic – 20% – 2hr 15mins exam.
The synoptic investigation is based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. All questions in the examination draw synoptically on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course. 

Non-examination assessment: Independent Investigation – 20% coursework
Students execute a geographical enquiry of their own choosing. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification.  

  • Cartographer 
  • Data analyst 
  • Environmental consultant 
  • Geographical information systems officer 
  • Marketing executive 
  • Social researcher 
  • Town Planner 
  • Market researcher 
  • Nature conservation officer 
  • Political risk analyst 
  • Sustainability consultant 
  • Transport planner 

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