Eduqas
GCSE grade 5 in GCSE English language or English literature.
Any student entering the course who has achieved a grade 5 in Maths will be required to study the Core Maths programme in Year 12. If you achieve a grade 6 or above, you will not be required to study Core Maths.
In today’s rapidly changing world the role of Geography is of paramount importance. We inhabit a dynamic world facing many challenges. Geographers develop an understanding of the causes, consequences, and management of local to global issues in both human and physical environments.
In the first year of the course, you begin your study of A-level Geography through the physical geography theme of Glaciated Landscapes, and the human geography theme of Changing Places.
At the end of the first year and into the second year, topics become increasingly synoptic converging physical and human aspects of the course, through the study of Water & Carbon Cycles, Global Migration & Governance of the Oceans, Weather & Climate, Ecosystems, and Tectonic Hazards.
In addition, during the first year of the course, you will be required to undertake an ‘Independent Investigation’; a piece of fieldwork data-based coursework that you will design, collect, present and analyse data, and draw conclusions.
In studying the above, you will develop extended evaluative essay writing skills, and analytical data and numeracy skills.
There are 3 exams at the end of the course:
Component 1
Changing Landscapes (Glaciated) and Changing Places
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes, containing data response, short knowledge-based questions, and extended evaluative essay questions.
20.5% of qualification
Component 2
Global Systems and Global Governance (Water & Carbon Cycles, Global Migration & Governance of the Oceans)
Written examination: 2 hours, containing data response, short knowledge-based questions, and extended evaluative essay questions.
27.5% of qualification
Component 3
Contemporary Themes in Geography (Weather & Climate, Ecosystems, and Tectonic Hazards)
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes containing 3 extended evaluative essay questions.
32% of qualification
Component 4 (Coursework Element)
Independent Investigation
20% of qualification
In the first year, you will be required to undertake local based fieldwork days, aimed at developing primary data collection skills to equip you with the knowledge to plan and collect your own data for the completion of the Independent Investigation.
In the second year you will visit a peat bog and National Nature Reserve to develop your knowledge and understanding of the Water & Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems topics.
Studying Geography will entitle you to participate in the international earth science trips. Each year we visit Iceland to study Tectonic Hazards, Arctic Climates and Glaciated Landscapes.
We have also run trips further afield to locations including India, Kenya, USA and Costa Rica.
The geography staff are also instrumental in the enrichment activity ‘Operation Wallacea’, a biodiversity and climate research organisation which runs field expeditions enabling A-level students gain experience of working with published scientists in locations around the world.
Due to the wide range of transferable skills that studying Geography develops, geographers are very employable and can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities.
Former students work as environmental impact officers, conservation officers, ecologists, flood protection managers, climate and location analysts, urban regeneration planners, surveyors, and heritage managers.
If you would like a printed copy of the prospectus, please request one using the form and we will post one out to you.
If you would like to arrange a tour of the campus, please complete the form below.
