Subject Information

Geography

Subject Video

A Level Geography offers a natural progression from GCSE. We ask students tolook atcontemporary and topical issues, challenging them to consider their place in the world.


This engaging and flexible course gives students the opportunity to:

•    study the relationship between human populations with their physical environment at a variety of scales, from the local to the global;

•    consider their own role, in relation to themes and issues being studied, and the roles, values and attitudes of others including decision makers.


The specification follows an issues and impacts approach to contemporary Geography that is suitable for all students. Topics range from Tectonic Processes and Change to Globalisation; from Glaciation to Superpowers and Health; Human Rights and Intervention.

Subject Details

Course:

A-Level Geography

FOR ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2023


Exam board: EdExcel    


Type of vocational pathway: A-Level


Course Code: 9GE0



We want students who: show a genuine appreciation of our changing world and use a wide range of skills, which they can apply to a variety of situations; can work independently on a task or take an active role in a small group.  Students should enjoy lively debate and appreciate how we, as individuals, can influence the future of our planet.  Geographers should be competent in using ICT.


There are a mandatory 4 days fieldwork as part of the A-level specification, which will be undertaken during the two-year course; previous trips include a day in Carlisle looking at perception of place, peat-bog assessment on Cold Fell, impacts of glaciation in the Borrowdale Valley and a trip to a large urban area for the diverse places topic.


How will students be assessed?


A Level: 3 written exams and 1 non-examined assessment

•    Paper 1: Physical Geography: Tectonic Processes, Glaciation, Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, the Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity (30%, 2 hour exam).

•    Paper 2: Human Geography: Globalisation, Superpowers, Regenerating Places and Health, Human Rights and Intervention (30%, 2-hour exam).

•    Paper 3: Synoptic Investigation: Resources on a geographical issue (20%, 1¾ hour exam).

•    Coursework: Independent Investigation - Non-examined assessment (20%, 3-4000 words).


What other courses does it complement?

Geography complements a wide range of other subjects in both the arts and sciences faculties. Examples range from Biology and Mathematics, to English, Modern Foreign Languages and Government and Politics.


Next steps - what this course can lead to

Geography can lead to further study at degree level, or be a supportive qualification for either a science or an arts degree.  Career prospects are wide ranging and include: the travel & tourism industry, retail, transport, local government and politics, teaching, the Environment Agency, military, management, mapping and planning to name but a few.

St Benedict’s,

Sixth Form