A Level Geography

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards.

Tectonic processes, a study of the causes of tectonic hazards, the impact of tectonic activity on people, and responses to tectonic hazards.

Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change.

An integrated study of processes, landforms and landscapes. A study of one landscape system and the physical and human processes influencing change over time and space.

Option 2b: Coastal Landscapes and Change.

Topic 3: Globalisation

A study of globalisation, its causes and consequences for different people and places.

Topic 4: Shaping Places

A study of how and why places are shaped and changed, the meanings and identities attached to different places and the consequences for different people.

Option 4a: Regenerating Places.

Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity

Water cycle, human and natural factors that impact on water cycling, consequences for water security and future water conflicts.

Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Carbon cycle, human and natural factors impacting on carbon cycling, the consequences for ecosystems and management strategies.

Topic 7: Superpowers

Superpowers, the reasons for shifting economic and political power, the impacts of superpowers, influence of superpowers in governing the global commons.

Topic 8: Global Development and Connections

Option 8a: Human Health and development

How and why human development changes from place to place and human right arguments for political and military intervention and it’s outcomes.

Core Mathematics

As this subject contains elements of mathematical content within its specification and assessments, we strongly advise that you should also elect to take the Core Mathematics course to support your studies (if not already taking A Level Mathematics). The Core Mathematics course is a one-year course specifically designed for this purpose. You would still need to pick three main Level 3 subjects plus Core Mathematics. Please see the Core Mathematics information sheet for more details.

Fieldwork:

Fieldwork is an essential skill in Geography. It will help you to develop a wide range of employability skills including: organisation, planning, precision, analysis, evaluation, team work and leadership. To pass A level Geography you will need to complete at least 4 days of fieldwork. There will be 2 field trips in Year 12. A residential trip to the Jurassic coast in Dorset and a day in Leicester investigating urban regeneration.

The course will be taught by 2 teachers and there will be range of activities including group work, discussions and written tasks. You will be expected to play an active role in lessons.

There are 4 assessed elements to the A level.

Paper One - Dynamic Landscapes and Physical Systems and Sustainability: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Paper Two - Dynamic Places and Human Systems and Geopolitics: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Paper Three - Synoptic investigation of a contemporary geographical issue: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Paper four - Non-Examined Assessment (NEA): coursework.

This component is a 3-4,000 word independent investigation based on a topic of your choice

GCSE Grade 5 in Geography. If you have not studied this subject at GCSE level you will need GCSE Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature and Grade 5 in Maths.

Geography is a wide-ranging subject which can be used to follow degrees in Human Geography, Physical Geography, Geology, Town Planning, Environmental Science and Leisure & Tourism. It can lead to careers involving the management of people, the environment and resources and in the fields of public administration, teaching, planning, tourism, transport and environmental organisations.