GEOGRAPHY (PEARSON A)

A Level Course Outline

"The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together." Barrack Obama

What will I study in Geography?

In studying geography, you will investigate the links between people and their environment on both local and international scales and connect diverse issues in politics, economics and science to the landscape to give an understanding of how places are shaped.

Your geography course will cover both physical and human environments. It will show how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects on their environment.

You will learn in a wide variety of ways, using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos, and videos. You will be encouraged to discuss ideas and frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and show your grasp of complex issues through report and essay writing. Fieldwork will is an essential part of your A Level course. You will even get to go on a residential trip to Portugal to experience a different environment to the one where you live.

What Careers Can Geography Lead To?

Geography is a broad based subject which provides lots of opportunities. It is an obvious choice for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply and hazard management. For careers in the world of business, an understanding of global economics forms an important part of geography. If you are thinking of a career in law or human rights, then geography gives you the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as migration. If you are working towards a course in medicine or veterinary medicine then geography is a good choice to give you the breadth that universities seek, as you will gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems as well as enhancing your skills of writing essays and extended reports.

Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. The Russell Group named geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. The Guardian has also identified geography as the 'must-have A Level'.

GEOGRAPHY (EDX) A Level Specification

Paper number

Content overview

Paper 1

Written examination:
2 hours 15 minutes
30% of the qualification
105 marks

The Physical Environment

Tectonic Processes and Hazards (AS)
Coastal Landscapes and Change (AS)
The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Paper 2

Written examination:
2 hours 15 minutes
30% of the qualification
105 marks

The Human Environment

Globalisation (AS)
Regenerating Places (AS)
Superpowers
Global Development
Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

Paper 3

Written examination:
2 hours 15 minutes
20% of the qualification
70 marks

Synoptic Section

The specification contains three synoptic themes

Players
Attitudes and actions
Futures and uncertainties.

The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes.

NEA (Non Examined Assessment)

Written report of 3000–4000 words.
20% of the qualification

70 marks

Coursework

The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to an aspect of the specification
The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data, research and secondary data
The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing
Students will be expected to show evidence that they have used both quantitative and qualitative data to support their independent investigation as appropriate to the particular environment and/or location.

Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 6x 1hour lessons per week. Homework will be set weekly and deadlines must be adhered to. Fieldwork investigations will take place at weekends or during half terms where possible and students are expected to attend.

Course Textbook
Geography for Edexcel A Level Year 2 Student Book ISBN: 978-0-19-836648-5

Geography

Further Reading
A subscription to the Geography Review magazine is recommended as well as reading of class notes, geographical coverage in broadsheet newspapers, the Economist and New Scientist magazines will also help build case studies and wider knowledge.