Qualification: A Level Geography
Exam Board: Edexcel
A Level Geography is a dynamic and relevant course that helps you understand the complex relationships between people, places and the environment. You will investigate topics such as climate change, globalisation, urban development and natural hazards, while developing valuable fieldwork, research and analytical skills. The course encourages critical thinking and an awareness of contemporary global issues, making it an excellent choice for students interested in environmental science, sustainability, international development, planning, business and a wide range of university courses and careers.
Students explore theoretical ideas and concepts to explain past events, understand the present day, and plan for a sustainable future.
Physical Geography topics: Tectonic Processes and Hazards, the Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, and Coastal Landscapes and Change .
Human and Economic Geography topics: Globalisation, Regeneration, Migration, and Superpowers .
The course helps develop abilities in independent research, data analysis, and constructing personal points of view. Time is spent on exam skills and techniques to build self confidence and ensure exam success for students of all abilities.
• The Geography A Level consists of one coursework (NEA) module and three taught exam modules.
• The three exams include a Physical paper, a Human paper, and a synoptic paper with resources given.
• Assessment takes place throughout the year in the form of homework, assignments, and mock examinations.
A minimum of grade 6 in Geography at GCSE.
Students are required to undertake a residential field trip in preparation for their examinations and Non Examined Assessment (NEA). Attendance is non negotiable. Practical skills related to fieldwork are an essential part of the couse allowing you time to trial and develop data collection techniques on the beach and around town.
There are opportunities to attend lecture events.
There are also Subject Captain opportunities.
• Geography is an excellent foundation for university courses such as Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Law, Economics, International Trade, Politics and the Retail Industry, as well as Geography based degrees..
• It is a favourite with universities and employers due to the vast range of transferable skills students develop. Many of our Geographers have attended high ranking Russell group Universities due to their excellent exam results, well above UK national average.
Links to Geography based apprenticeships
https://www.rgs.org/choose-geography/apprenticeships
• Transferable skills make Geography highly attractive to potential future employers. Universities value the breadth within Geography and regard the subject as both academic and rigorous.
• The subject allows specialisation in exciting areas, such as becoming a meteorologist, hazard risk assessment, logistics and planning for sustainable futures.
Year 12 student
"I study Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Maths. The choice of subjects suits me well as I prefer the physical and scientific side of Geography. I am hoping to study Physical Geography at University with the aim of becoming a meteorologist.
The fieldwork element to the course was brilliant and we spent a very enjoyable week studying the geomorphology of the Devon coastline."