Courses

Geography

Faculty: Humanities
Level: A Level (2 year linear course)

Examination Board /website: Edexcel


Course Outline:

The world we study is ever-changing, and understanding the connections between the human and physical world is increasingly important. The geography A level qualification focuses on fundamental physical and human processes and seeks to foster an understanding of what our future impact on the planet could be. The course builds on popular topics and introduces new issues such as migration, identity and sovereignty to enable students to make sense of the issues and challenges the global community faces.

Entry Criteria:

GCSE Geography (5)

Skills / Aptitudes required to be successful in this course:

Good written ability and a commitment to reading challenging but stimulating material would ensure good progress. The independent learner would excel in this course as there is a wealth of real life scenarios developing daily and reported in the media.

Assessment Details: 

3 examined units at the end of year 13 and an independent investigation. Brief details shown below:

Paper 1 Dynamic Landscapes and Physical Systems

2 hours   and 15 minutes

30%
  •   Tectonic Processes and Hazards
  •   Landscape Systems, Processes   and Change
  •   The water cycle  and water insecurity
  •   The Carbon cycle and energy   security

Paper 2 Dynamic Places, human systems and geopolitics

2 hours   and 15 minutes

30%
  •   Globalisation
  •   Regenerating Places
  •   Superpowers
  •   Migration, Identity and   Sovereignty

Paper 3

2 hours   and 15 minutes

20%
  •   Synoptic Investigation of   contemporary geographical issue

Independent Investigation*

  • Student defined question or issue for   investigation relating to any content of spec
  • Investigation will incorporate fieldwork   and own research

*Please be aware that the   independent investigation requires a minimum of 4 days fieldwork. The   department has opted to use the support of the field studies council at their centre in South Wales. This will involve a 4-5 day residential trip for data collection and report writing. The trip will take place in the spring term of year 12 and estimated costs are £350.

Written report of 3000-4000 words

20%


Pathways – Careers:

Geography is a broad academic subject which is regarded as a “facilitating subject” by Russell Group Universities.Most geography graduates are numerate, literate, good team workers, can think analytically and critically, have cultural agility, are socially and environmentally aware, and wider experience as a result of fieldwork. Geography is highly regarded by employers,74% of geography graduates earn a starting salary of more than £20,000 per year, above the overall average of 70% (RGS, 2013).

There isn’t such a thing as a ‘geography job’ but geography graduates enter a wide range of career areas and industries. Geography gives you excellent transferable skills, and acts as a very good bridge between traditional arts and sciences subject divisions. Areas of study and work that follow on well from Geography include:

Geography

Geology and Natural Sciences

Environmental Science

Environmental Managements

International Development

Anthropology

Disaster Management

Education

Governance and Social Policy

Business and Finance

Media and Politics

Complementary Subjects:

Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Business, History, English, Sociology, ICT.

Useful Links:

RGS

GA

Edexcel

Course Leader

Ron Spicer - Assistant Headteacher

Email: spicerr@hendonschool.co.uk




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