Subject overview
A Level Geography is the passport to understanding the complex forces that shape our planet, from the natural wonders of landscapes to the intricate web of human societies and environments. Geography at A Level is not just about memorising facts and figures; it's about uncovering the mysteries of our world and finding solutions to the challenges it faces. It's about exploring the past, understanding the present, and shaping the future.
Why A Level Geography?
Broaden Your Horizons: Geography is a subject that spans the globe. Students investigate the wonders of natural environments, delve into the intricacies of human societies, and analyse the impact of our actions on the planet.
Critical Thinking: A Level Geography hones students’ critical thinking skills in order to grapple with real-world issues like climate change, urbanisation, globalisation, and social inequality. Students learn to analyse data, evaluate evidence and make informed decisions.
Fieldwork Adventures: A Level Geography offers exciting opportunities for hands-on fieldwork, where students apply their knowledge to real-world situations and collect valuable data.
Global Citizenship: Geography encourages a sense of global citizenship. Students gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, preparing you to engage with a diverse and interconnected world.
Key Stage 5 Overview
During Year 12 and Year 13, students work towards their Edexcel Geography A Level, beginning to ‘connect like geographers’ before ultimately ‘seeing the world like geographers’. Understanding of Geography is obtained through the study of the following topics:
- Tectonic Processes and Hazards;
- Coastal Landscapes and Change;
- The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity;
- The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security;
- Globalisation;
- Regenerating Places;
- Superpowers; and
- Migration, Identify and Sovereignty.
Students complete a non-examined assessment through an independent fieldwork investigation.
Students further develop their cartographic, graphical and statistical skills further in combination with the ability to critically evaluate geographical concepts through a wide variety of case-studies. By the end of the course, students should have learnt to make synoptic connections between knowledge gained across the course, ready for an undergraduate degree in Geography.
How is this subject assessed?
PAPER 1 (105 marks – 2 hrs 15mins)
There are a range of question types including multiple choice, short open, open response, calculations, resource linked questions but extended written questions dominate (98 of the 105 marks are extended writing).
|
Section A |
Section B |
Section C |
|
16 marks |
40 marks |
49 marks |
|
Tectonic Processes and Hazards
|
Coastal Landscapes and Change |
The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security |
|
Will include: 1x 12-mark question
|
Will include: 2x 6-mark questions 1x 8-mark question 1x 20-mark question
|
Will include: 1x 6-mark question 1x 8-mark question 1x 12-mark question 1x 20-mark question |
PAPER 2 (105 marks – 2hrs 15mins)
There are a range of question types including multiple choice, short open questions, open response, calculations, resource linked questions but extended written questions dominate (90 of the 105 marks are extended writing).
|
Section A |
Section B |
Section C |
|
32 marks |
35 marks |
38 marks |
|
Globalisation Superpowers |
Regenerating Places |
Migration, Identity, and Sovereignty |
|
Will include: 2x 12-mark questions
|
Will include: 2x 6-mark questions 1x 20-mark question
|
Will include: 1x 6-mark question 1x 8-mark question 1x 20-mark question |
PAPER 3 (70 marks – 2hrs 15mins)
This exam consists of several questions based on an unseen resource booklet. There will be a range of questions including short open questions, open response and resource linked questions progressing from 8-mark, 18-mark and 24 mark extended writing. Extended writing questions dominate this paper (58 of the 70 marks are extended writing).
