Studying Geography at A-level helps to put our World into perspective. Geography at our college aims to encourage students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop knowledge and understanding of the subject. The A-level 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. This qualification is linear, which means that students will sit all of their exams at the end of the 2 year course.
Skills such as planning, research and time management are useful in all walks of life. Other skills acquired through studying A-level Geography, such as assessment, analysis, justification and evaluation of resource materials are easily transferable to higher education or employment. Communication and team-working are learned through field work, group and presentation activities. Interpretation of satellite and Geographical Information System (GIS) data is integral to Geography and a skill valued by many employers.
Students who choose to study A-level Geography will have the opportunity for fieldwork including a residential trip. This will provide the opportunity to practice and then conduct the data collection techniques for the non-examined assessment. Fieldwork is both integral and compulsory for this A-level.
Geography is a highly versatile and well-respected A-level subject resulting in the widest of opportunities for successful students. Universities and employers alike value the skills you can offer, possible careers range from those using GIS such as the utilities, town and country planning, retail, disaster management, emergency services, defence and national security to overseas development work and environment or sports management.
For A-level Geography assessment consists of two externally examined papers and one non-examined component. It is designed to be engaging with a contemporary issues-based approach and it clearly supports progression to undergraduate level Geography.
Paper 1 – Physical Geography - 2hrs 30mins - 40% of the A-level
Paper 2 – Human Geography - 2hrs 30mins - 40% of the A-level
Non-examined assessment: Geography Fieldwork Investigation: - 20% of the A-level
The student undertakes an independent geographical investigation, producing a written report of 3000 - 4000 words. The student defines a question or issue relating to the compulsory or optional content. The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data. The report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing. The report is internally assessed and externally moderated. The fieldwork which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation may be either physical, human or integrated physical-human.