Geography (A Level)

Why study Geography?

Are you aware that in the next few years, there will be a crisis in supplies of energy, food and water as well as in housing, employment, and transport – and that’s here, as well as in parts of the world where there is real poverty or rising risk of natural
disasters. These are issues that will have to be dealt with by YOU in your future career. Information on world events also has to be clearly understood and accurately expressed so that decision-makers and the general public understand the details.

Entry Requirements

In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:

GCSE English – grade 4
GCSE Maths – grade 4
GCSE Science – two grade 4s (or one grade 4 + Merit in Level 2 BTEC/OCR Science)

No previous knowledge of Geography is required. You will be required complete transition work over the summer to hand in at enrolment. Without this, you may not be able to take your place on the course

The Course

You will study the big global issues of water, climate change, hazard management and risk assessment, and the impacts of global economic and environmental changes. You will be looking at sustainable development for people, improved quality of life in areas of poverty, conservation of natural environments, how technology is changing what we are able to do, and how the world may change in your working lifetime as new superpower nations make more of the decisions which affect everyone

Course Activities

You will study world problems using newspapers, maps, statistics, photographs, satellite images, video and digital information. Time is spent in class/group discussion or individual study of a problem and the weighing up of management solutions. You will be given help in sorting information, making notes, analysing the main points, evaluating the situation, and clearly presenting it in text or diagram form. Lots of trips and outside speakers give a more detailed investigation of issues, such as investigating the risk of the River Lea flooding in Luton. You will also have the opportunity to study tetonic activity in Italy.

We recommend that you devote 4.5 hours of private study time per week to this subject.

Career and Progression Opportunities

A Level Geography has high academic value at good universities and graduates are recognised as some of the most employable – often in government or business decision-making in finance, marketing and tourism, as well as environmental consultancy, landscape architecture, meteorology and planning. Geography supports applications for many science-based university courses like Engineering, Environmental Science, Oceanography and Meteorology; or degrees such as Business, Law, Media, Politics, Urban Planning, International Development and International Relations. Students may also go straight into employment training, e.g. law, business, accountancy and journalism.

Course Structure and Assessment

This is a two-year course, with examinations taken in June at the end of the second year.

Module title and content	Assessment
Core topics Tectonic Processes and Hazards Globalisation The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity Superpowers The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security	Three written examinations. Examinations include some short open, open responses and resource linked questions, as well as longer, extended writing. Calculators may be needed. Includes a synoptic investigation based on a variety of resources. 80% of total A Level.
Additional non-core topics Coastal Landscapes and Change Regenerating Places Health, Human Rights and Intervention
Coursework – independent investigation The student defines a question or issue for investigation. Fieldwork data is collected individually or as part of a group. Individual research, independent analysis and evaluation of data, and extended writing.	The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated. A written report of 3,000-4,000 words. Four days of fieldwork will take place at intervals through the course. 20% of total A Level.

Additional Information

As stated in the Entry Requirements section, no previous knowledge of Geography is required. What is more important is that you should have an enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to learn details and to write effectively.

Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel

Case Study