GEOGRAPHY (EDEXCEL)
A2 Course Outline
What is Geography?
'Geography is one of those richly comprehensive subjects, whose relevance is all around
us...More than ever we need the geographer's skills and foresight to help us learn about our
planet - how we use it and how we abuse it.'
Michael Palin
Unit 3: Contested Planet
The use and management of resources is a key issue for today's world. Consumption patterns highlight stark inequalities between regions, countries and groups of people. The planet is 'contested' in a variety of ways, for example: countries and groups are demanding access to a diminishing resource base. There is debate over the management of resources. Should the aim be to make current patterns of consumption more sustainable, or are more radical actions needed?
Content Summary
In this unit, students should investigate the distribution of resources, and the physical factors that result in this distribution. They should also consider how humans utilise these resources, and the problems of providing resources to people as well as an awareness of the costs of doing so. Consideration should also be given to how a finite resource base should be managed. Three types of resources are considered within three topic areas:
- Topic 1: Energy Security
- Topic 2: Water Conflicts
- Topic 3: Biodiversity Under Threat.
- Topic 4: Superpower Geographies
- Topic 5: Bridging the Development Gap.
- Topic 6: The Technological Fix?
Unit 4: Geographical Research
Options: This unit offers six optional research options:
- Option 1: Tectonic Activity and Hazards
- Option 2: Cold Environments – Landscapes and Change
- Option 3: Life on the Margins: the Food Supply Problem
- Option 4: The World of Cultural Diversity
- Option 5: Pollution and Human Health at Risk
- Option 6: Consuming the Rural Landscape – Leisure and Tourism.
Students must select and study one research option from the above list that reflects their geographical interests. Options in this unit range from those with a strong physical geography focus, to those concerned more with environmental, social and cultural geographies. The options are designed to expose students to a range of geographical information in a variety of forms, namely books, journals, video and the internet. Many of these will be unfamiliar in terms of context and content. Part of this holistic exploration will involve linking content and concepts from Units 1, 2 and 3 into students' research.
| Geography (EDEXCEL) AS Specification | |
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Unit 3 |
Contested Planet Structured essay questions based on the materials studied. |
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Unit 4 |
Geographical Investigations One large essay question based on your research topic. |
Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 4.5 hours per week. Homework will be set weekly and deadlines strictly adhered to. Mock exams are set once a month. Tests will be set frequently.
Recommended Reading
Edexcel A2 Geography Textbook [Paperback]
Sue Warn (Author), Cameron Dunn (Author), Nigel Yates (Author), Simon Oakes (Author), Bob Hordern (Author), Andy Palmer (Author), David Holmes (Author), Kim Adams (Author), Dulcie Knifton (Author).
