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Level 3
Geography A-level
COURSE OVERVIEW
By focusing on current global issues linked to physical and human Geography, you will explore the relationship between people and the environment. You will be encouraged to think critically about the world around you; to make decisions about the future; and to develop a wide range of geographical skills. A key part of Geography A Level involves field work trip/s for which there will be an additional cost. Topics studied in Year 1: • Tectonic processes and hazards • Coastal landscapes and change • Regenerating places • Globalisation • Superpowers Year 2 • The Carbon cycle and energy security • The water cycle and water insecurity • Health, human rights and intervention Students will also undertake a compulsory Independent Investigation, which will involve a field trip. You will have the opportunity to work both in groups and individually to complete your work. Tasks are varied and are based around ‘real world’; examples which explain and highlight geographical theories and concepts. You will explore both human and physical themes with a variety of resources.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 4 in English Language, Maths and a grade 4 in Science or Geography. Students need an interest in the world around them, particularly in climate change, water insecurity, politics, consequences of globalisation and responses to hazards. They should also have an interest in environmental issues.
Geography is an academic A Level which combines well with a range of other subjects. Previous students have found that it combines well with Economics, History, Business, and many more. Geography is a very well-regarded by both workplaces and universities. It is a ‘facilitating subject’; which top universities regard highly when assessing a student’;s suitability for various degree courses. The course has been designed to prepare students to either enter the workplace in a related career, or to go on to higher education or further training.
Students will sit three exams as detailed below: Paper 1 (code: 9GEO/01) The ‘physical’; paper. Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 30% of the qualification -; 105 marks. Paper 2 (code: 9GEO/02) The ‘human’; paper. Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 30% of the qualification -; 105 marks. Paper 3 (code: 9GEO/03) The ‘synoptic’; paper. Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 20% of the qualification -; 70 marks. Students will also write an Independent Investigation (coursework project) based on fieldwork and primary data collection. This is independent work and all students will need to develop their own focus and title for their investigation. This is non- examined, but is marked internally by the Geography teachers and externally moderated. It should be around 3,000-4,000 words and is worth 70 marks (20% of the qualification).
As part of the course there is a requirement for four days field work, which which involve a financial outlay, Please contact the college via info@haywardsheath.ac.uk if you require further information.
Students will need to develop analytical and evaluative skills, time management, practical scientific skills, skills in maths and statistics, independent research, ICT skills and team work. Students will need to be able to make links between different geographical themes, ideas and concepts (synopticity).