AQA A Level
Why study Geography?
Geography is the choice for anyone with an interest in the world around them. Its unique position on the arts/science divide allows students to combine Geography with, for example, English, History, Biology, Maths and Chemistry. It is a well-respected A Level choice for students wishing to enter higher education to pursue degree courses in arts or sciences.
For those who wish to continue with Geography to degree level there are numerous career options available after graduation – planning (both private and public sector), environmental management, leisure and tourism (the world’s fastest growing industry), development, logistics and business services to name a few.
What will I study?
The course we study is AQA. You will study a range of topics within Physical and Human geography and you will also undertake fieldwork in order to complete an individual investigation of up to 4000 words. The topics studied include Water and Carbon Cycles, Coasts and Hazards for Physical Geography, and Changing Places, Global Governance and Population and the Environment for Human Geography.
How will I study?
The course will involve a wide range of learning activities. It will include communicating ideas though written work or group presentations. Lessons will make use of lively discussions, film clips, data, a wide range of articles, textbooks and numerous websites. You will need to keep a file or book of comprehensive notes, watch TV news, read broadsheet newspapers, and make use of our departmental library.
There is a requirement to carry out fieldwork. Some of this will take place in the local area, but there will be a week's residential in the autumn of Year 13 in order to collect data for the independent investigation. There is a cost attached to this trip and further information will be available from our Geography staff. In the past we have taken students to South Wales to visit Porthcawl and surrounding coastal environments. It is compulsory that students attend this fieldtrip. Financial assistance is available if required.
How will my work be assessed?
Assessment will demonstrate knowledge and understanding in a variety of ways, most significantly in the ability to write in extended prose. This allows students to develop their ability to construct a sustained line of reasoning.
The course is formally assessed entirely through external assessment. It is a linear assessment, with exams being taken at the end of the course.
- Physical Geography accounts for 40% of A-Level (2 hours 30 minutes paper)
- Human Geography accounts for 40% of the A-Level (2 hours 30 minutes paper)
- Geography Fieldwork Investigation accounts for 20% of the A-Level (3000-4000 word report)
We will assess students in school at various points in the year to track the progress of students. This will be done both in the classroom and in exam-style settings. Students will have plenty of opportunity to practise exam answers in timed conditions.
What are the entry requirements?
Geography GCSE Grade 6 or above