GEOGRAPHY A/S LEVEL AND A2 LEVEL
COURSE DESCRIPTION |
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Examination Board - AQA
The new Geography specifications have a strong emphasis on current global issues and as such are extremely relevant to all students. In all topics consideration is given to the political viewpoint, economical impact, sustainable development and resource management. Students will be encouraged to develop transferable geographical skills such as data handling and analysis, presentation techniques and ICT skills including the use of Geographical Information Systems.
The Rivers and Flood Management unit relates to the central role of water in landscape development and its management for human welfare purposes.
The human topics emphasis is on population change and development over space and time and their geographical implications. Students will be encouraged to engage with key themes of current relevance such as managing food supplies, energy production, urban regeneration and the global distribution of disease.
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AS LEVEL TOPICS |
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Physical Topics Human Topics
Rivers, floods and management (core) Population change (core)
Cold environments Food supply issues
Coastal environments Energy Issues
Desert environments Health Issues
Students study the core and one option from each category.
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A2 LEVEL TOPICS INCLUDE |
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Plate tectonics and associated hazards; weather and climate; ecosystems; World cities; development and globalisation; contemporary conflicts and challenges. Students study three topics.
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COURSE ASSESSMENT |
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A/S A2 Level
Unit 1 – Physical and Human Geography 70% 35%
Unit 2 – Geographical Skills 30% 15%
Unit 3 – Contemporary Geographical Issues 30%
Unit 4 – Geography Fieldwork Investigation 20%
All examinations contain structured short and extended questions.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
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Students would ideally have achieved five GCSE grades A-C including Geography. Consideration will be given to students failing to meet the entry criteria, but who are interested in Geography at A Level, on an individual basis.
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TEACHING/LEARNING STYLES |
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Most of the work is on a teacher-led class discussion basis, backed up by prepared notes. Every opportunity is taken to relate theory to practical examples through local fieldwork. This is supplemented by individual study, group work and reinforced by the use of audio-visual
presentations and the internet. Students experiencing difficulties can be supported through individual tuition as required.
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INDEPENDENT STUDY |
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Pupils who want to study Advanced level Geography must have an interest in the subject and an awareness of current affairs. They must be prepared to read and gather information from different sources – including newspapers, library texts, and the Internet. Journals such as Geography Review are available in the department and library for students use.
The final examination consists of structured questions and essays but, during the course, students will be given a variety of assignments including data-response exercises, note-making and essay writing. In Advanced level study you should expect to spend 5-8 hours a week on work outside the classroom.
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RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS/OUT OF SCHOOL TRIPS |
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A number of visits will be made throughout the AS and A2 course. These currently include local river fieldwork, a visit to the Vodafone Headquarters and work within local towns. A residential field trip will be provided to allow a variety of fieldwork techniques to be undertaken in preparation for the Geographical Skills paper and A2 Investigation. The field trip will be at a recognised field centre working with other students either along the UK coastline or in the French Alps.
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PROGRESSION ROUTES |
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The importance of Geography and the content taught has significantly changed from the past. A modern qualification in Geography can provide an invaluable stepping-stone to many jobs and careers. National campaigns such as Give Geography its Place are also helping to ensure Geographers are becoming more widely demanded. The potential career options are immense but include Environmental Law, Water/Coastal Management, Journalism, Urban Planning/Design,
Disaster Management, Policing, Surveying and Cartography. AS or A2 Geography can be used alongside other subjects for meeting Higher Education entry requirements.
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