Geography

Course details

The course is a two year course with three exam components and an independent investigation.

A Level:
Students will select topics from Superpowers, Global Development and Connections, Health Rights and Intervention. As well as Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, as well as The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security. This is followed by Paper 3 which comprises of three sections and is a synoptic paper based on a topic taught in the compulsory units. 

Students are required to carry out an Independent Investigation, where students will carry out a piece of research, investigating on question or issue, relating to a section of their choice. They will also be encouraged to develop transferable geographical skills such as data handling and analysis, presentation techniques and ICT skills including the use of Geographical Information Systems.

A compulsory four days of fieldwork means that students get hands on with their learning. During the four days they will collect data required to writing their independent investigation. This is a residential, so that students can be fully emersed in their learning. This is supplemented by individual study, group work and reinforced using audio-visual presentations and the internet.

Entry requirements
Students would ideally have achieved five GCSE grades 4 - 9 including Geography. Consideration will be given to students failing to meet the entry criteria, but who are interested in Geography at A Level, on an individual basis.

Course assessment
All exams will be taken at the end of the second year. These will be a combined physical and human geography paper consisting of structured questions and extended case studies.

A further exam will be undertaken based on pre-release material, with some essay style questions.

The final exam is based on a fieldwork investigation or an advanced information leaflet.