Geography A-Level

The Geography A Level course is rigorous and dynamic, it is ever changing with up to date examples and case studies included as they happen. Through exciting topics, learners will understand the nature of physical and human geography whilst unpicking the debates surrounding contemporary challenges facing the world today.

The course helps students prepare for Higher Education and, at the same time, enhancing their employability skills. It provides opportunities to learn and apply important transferable skills such as critical thinking and analysis, communication and teamwork skills and encourages reflection on the students own learning, and their future opportunities.

We are committed to providing efficient and effective support and we are always here when you need to speak to a person about an important issue.

We will always try to resolve issues the first time you contact us but, should that not be possible, we will always come back to you and keep working with you to find the solution.

Students will sit 3 exams at the end of the course and complete one fieldwork investigation (NEA):

Paper 1 – written examination – 2 hours 15 minutes
30% of the qualification

Content overview

• Tectonic processes and hazards
• Landscape systems, processes and change – Coastal landscapes and change
• The water cycle and water insecurity
• The carbon cycle and energy security

Paper 2 – written examination – 2 hours 15 minutes
30% of the qualification

Content overview

• Globalisation
• Shaping places – Regenerating places
• Superpowers
• Global development and connections – Migration, identity and sovereignty

Paper 3 – written examination – 2 hours 15 minutes
20% of the qualification

Content overview

• The specification contains three synoptic themes within the compulsory content:
  Players
  Attitudes and actions
  Futures and uncertainties.

A resource booklet will be available before the exam and will contain the information about the geographical issue within paper 3.

Non-examination assessment: independent investigation
20% of the qualification

3000-4000 word investigation

Content overview

• Students choose and define a question or issue, relating to any aspect of the specification.
• Students will incorporate primary fieldwork data (collected individually or as a group) and their own secondary data. This will show qualitative and quantitative data collection and presentation.
• The data will be analysed and evaluated and linked back to the issue/question set

Subject specific entry requirements

• 5 at GCSE (if taken)
• 4 in Maths
• 4 in English Literature and Language

Standard entry requirements

• At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

• At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

• Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

• Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
• Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 AAQ subject with 2 A-Levels