Geography

A Level Geography…… is it the right choice for you?

The A Level Course: 

You will follow the AQA A-Level Geography exam board.

There will be a balance of both human and physical geography across the course including a wide range of geographical skills. 

Do you…

• Enjoy learning about the world around you?

• Have an opinion?

• Possess an inquisitive and critical mind?

• Have good literacy skills?

• Like to go away and research information independently?

Below is a table of the A level course content. Please note: Option units and fieldwork may vary from site to site to make best use of individual staff specialist geographical knowledge and expertise.                 

A Level Geography content?

Physical Geography

• Water and carbon cycles

• Coastal systems and landscapes

• Hazards

Human Geography

• Global systems and global governance

• Changing places

• Contemporary urban environments

Geography Investigation and skills

• Fieldwork and skills 

How is it assessed?

Paper 1: Physical Geography

Written exam 2.5 hours, 120 marks, 40% of A level

Paper 2: Human Geography

Written exam 2.5 hours, 120 marks, 40% of A Level

Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)

3-4,000 words, 60 marks, 20% of A-level - Marked by teachers and moderated by AQA         

6 good reasons for studying Geography

• Geography stimulates an interest in, and wonder of, the world around us.

• Geography develops the ability to combine scientific principles with economic awareness, environmental concern and an appreciation and tolerance of people’s attitudes and values as well as historical and political aspects of our planet.

• Our USP is that no other subject incorporates these factors

• Geography combines well with other subjects and develops key skills and makes you more employable.

• Geography relates to real life problems and helps develop; an understanding of current events and issues such as Environmental change, Global Interdependence, Sustainability, Cultural Understanding.

•  Geography gives you practical experience working outside of the classroom by doing fieldwork and develops teamwork skills.

We will provide a variety of learning experiences; there will be opportunities for developing ICT skills, group work and geographical enquiry.

We expect students to complete essential reading and note taking in their own time; and we will encourage you to keep an eye on newspapers and relevant T.V. programmes, as well as searching the web for relevant and up-to-date information.

Fieldwork and investigation are important parts of the course. You will undertake residential fieldwork in the UK. Geographical skills are continually developed assessed at A Level.

What can a Geography ‘A’ Level do for me?

Geography is a subject that opens up many career paths for you:

Archaeology, Architecture, Biology research, Development studies and charity work, Engineering, Disaster and Emergency planning, Ecology – looking after water, woodlands and ecosystem, Education – you could even be a Geography Teacher!, Environmental Law, Environmental science – flood management and control etc., Economics, European Studies, Geology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Meteorology, Transport planning and management, Health and environmental agencies.