Geography - WJEC Eduqas A Level

Head of Faculty: Mrs A Howe

The Geography department comprises seven members of staff who share five dedicated Geography classrooms. Computer rooms and iPads are regularly used to support learning. The department organises a range of field trips each year for different year groups.

Why study this course?

You will learn in a wide variety of ways such as by using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos, videos, podcasts, as well as attending lectures and fieldwork study days. You will be encouraged to frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and showing your grasp of complex issues through report and essay writing.

Aims of the course

The A-Level Geography specification encourages students to apply geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. In turn, this will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the world’s people, places and environments in the 21st century. Students should be able to develop both knowledge and understanding of contemporary geographical concepts together with transferable skills that will enable students to progress to higher education and a range of employment opportunities.

Course outline

Your A Level geography course will cover both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. It will also, importantly, show the applied side of the subject - how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. This is complex and dynamic and varies from place to place depending on people’s resources, technology and culture. There is plenty of room for discussion and extended research which will help you become an independent thinker and learner.

How am I assessed?

Components 1-3 are worth 80% of the course and are assessed through three exams at the end of the two years.

Component 4 is an independent investigation (coursework) that is worth 20%.

Throughout the two years homework, past paper questions, projects, field work and presentations will be assessed and students will sit mock examinations.

Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. For careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change, geography is an obvious choice.

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, human rights, international relations or welfare then geography gives you the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as; How do we measure development? If you are working towards a future course in medicine or veterinary medicine then geography is a good choice to give your A Level options 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.