A / AS Level Geography
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PDF version- Course Description
- Entry Requirements
- Progression & Assessment
- Duration & Location
- Fees
- Further Information
Course Description
What is the subject about?
The course will develop an understanding and knowledge of the main components of Physical and Human Geography, the processes operating, interactions between them, the problems and solutions relating to them.
Course Content
There is a balance of physical and human geography.
AS (Year 1) Unit 1 – Physical & Human Geography
The study of core geographical concepts along with contrasting themes of contemporary or environmental impact, management and sustainability. Candidates must study the core and then select one of the physical options and one of the human options.
Core physical section:
- Rivers, floods and management
Core Human section:
- Population changes
Optional physical topics:
- Cold environments
- Coastal environments
- Desert environments
Optional human topics:
- Food supply issues
- Energy issues
- Health issues
Unit 2 - Geographical skills
A geographical skills paper based on the content of unit 1.
Skills include:
- Investigative
- Cartographic
- Graphical
- ICT
- Statistical
A2 (Year 2) Unit 3 – Contemporary Geographical Issues
An issues based approach to contemporary geographical themes. Candidates must select three topics: at least one from the physical options and at least one from the human options.
Optional Physical topics:
- Plate tectonics and associated hazards
- Weather and climate and associated hazards
- Ecosystems Change and Challenge
Optional Human topics:
- World cities
- Development and globalization
- Contemporary conflicts and challenges
Unit 4 – Geographical Issue Evaluation
This unit gives candidates the opportunity to use their skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. An Advance Information booklet is pre-released 2 months prior to the exam to facilitate candidates’ research into an area which extends from the specification content.
Teaching and Learning Skills
A variety of activities will be used and students will be expected to use the college library and IT facilities. There will be a number of fieldtrips, both local and further afield, during the programme.
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to study AS/A Level Geography must have 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including C in English Language and C in Maths. This entry requirement can be waived for mature students, it is desirable but not absolutely essential that students have a Grade C or above in Higher Tier Geography GCSE. In order to continue to A2 studies a D or higher grade must be attained in AS.
Progression & Assessment
Successful completion of this programme, in combination with other suitable qualifications, will allow entry into a wide range of Higher Education programmes or employment. There are many jobs that fit well with a degree in geography. It is a natural tie-in with urban planning and with work in cartography. There is a demand in all areas of the media and in government for map makers and people with experience in related IT areas. Specialisms include metereology and several of the weatherman and women in national TV started off with A level geography and interests in the weather. Many geographers work in transport and environmental research and management and as writers and researchers. In Geography the skills learned are transferable and will be valuable in securing other, not obviously related occupations such as in accountancy and law. To take A level Geography a GCSE is useful but students with good passes in English and Maths should not be put off choosing this subject. Assessment Modules can be taken in January and June and can be resat once. There is an examination paper based on each module of work. Modules 1, 2 and 3 count as AS Geography with Modules 4, 5 and 7 completing A Level Geography.
| Examination Board | AQA Syllabus 1031 and 2031 |
| Programme Co-ordinator | Iona Sadler |
| Teaching Staff | Iona Sadler |
Duration & Location
One year for AS Level; a further one year for A2.
Mode of Attendance
AS Level – 4.5 hours per week over 1 year.
A2 Level – 4.5 hours per week over 1 year
Start dates September each year
Fees
If you are under 19 on 31 August when your programme begins and are full-time, you will be entitled to free tuition and no examination fees wherever you live provided you are a European Community National. Mature students may well qualify for free tuition and no examination fees; please ask Guidance Services for details.
Further Information
Iona Sadler
School of Access and Advanced Education
For further details please contact the Information Office on 01522 876274
