A-Level in Geography

This course builds a solid, geographical foundation through popular, familiar topics while pushing forward the frontiers of A level Geography. It sets the tone for future curriculum development in Geography nationally, inspiring a love of Geography for lifelong learning.

There is a focus on fieldwork as the A Level Geography specification has been designed to strengthen geographical and fieldwork skills gained at GCSE and to delve more deeply into content. There will be a 5 day field trip which leads to the preparation of an Independent Investigation that accounts for 20% of the course. The specification incorporates relevant and contemporary issues that have been included following consultations with teachers, subject associations such as the Geographical Association, Higher Education, employers and consultants.

The Human Geography issues that are considered include an understanding of the development of places, linked through globalisation, how diseases are managed, with physical geography examining coastal landscapes, hazardous earth and life support systems. This course has been designed to allow Geographers the flexibility to build programmes that suit their own particular interests and needs. Fieldwork and research skills are a key feature of the A level. This offers flexibility with varying and diverse fieldwork resources and approaches.

• Physical Systems 22%
• Human Interactions 22%
• Geographical Debates 36%
• Independent Investigation NEA 20%

For all Sixth Form courses, students must have five GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grades 9-4, which must include Mathematics and English Language/Literature at a Grade 4 or above. For this course, students should also have a Grade 4 in Geography (if taken). Geography students are generally more successful if they are interested in places, fieldwork, sustainability and the interaction of physical and human geographical systems.

If you do not select Mathematics as one of your other options it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to study Core Maths alongside Geography as an additional subject in Year 12.

A Level Geography gives you numerous skills including research techniques, statistical and analytical abilities and essay writing to name three. This leads to a variety of career paths including, but not exclusively Cartographer, Commercial/residential surveyor, Environmental consultant, Geographical information systems officer and planning and development.

Additional learning can be undertaken by keeping yourself updated with local and global events, reading geographical articles and joining the Geographical Association as examples.