A-Level Geography
What Topics Will I Study?
Paper 1 – 30% of A-Level
105 marks
- Tectonic Processes & Hazards
- Coastal Landscapes & Change
- Minimum of 2 days physical geography fieldwork
- Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
- Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity
Paper 2 – 30% of A-Level
105 marks
- Globalisation
- Shaping Places: Regeneration of urban and rural areas
- Residential of 2 days of human geography fieldwork in Birmingham and Shropshire
- Superpowers
- Global Development and Connections: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
Paper 3 – 20% of A-Level
70 marks
- Synoptic investigation of a geographical issue based on an examination resource
- Unseen examination resource
Paper 4 – Independent Investigation 20% of A-Level
- You will conduct fieldwork and an enquiry process on a question or issue related to an element of the specification.
- 70 marks split is as follows: Purpose (12), Field work and data collection methodologies (10), Data Representation, Analysis and methodological evaluation (24) Conclusion and Critical Evaluation (24)
Fieldwork
We aim to cover 6 days of fieldwork in A-Level over the 2 years. Optional study tours in the past 5 years have travelled to China, Morocco and Iceland.
Please click on the plus sign below for links to an exam and course overview.
What Grades do I Need at GCSE Level?
Apart from the minimum entry requirements for the Sixth Form you are expected to achieve at least a grade 5 in Geography, Maths and English.
What Other Subjects Should I Study?
Geography is an excellent subject to take with most other A-Level subjects as it is a flexible subject that delivers a wide range of skills: Essay writing, synopticity (decision making) and statistics and is classified as a “bridging” subject between Arts and Sciences. Complementary subjects include: History, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy & Ethics.
What About Choices After A-Levels?
Geography is a stepping-stone for a whole range of degree courses from pure Geography to Geology, Biology, Landscape Management, Environmental Science, Economic and Business related courses, Planning, Tourism and Leisure, Sports or Events Management, PR and Human Resources and so on. The scope is endless. If it’s employment you’re after, then employers look favourably on an A-Level in Geography because of the range of skills you have developed. There are so many choices for which A-Level Geography is a valuable qualification.
Further Information
If you would like further information on any aspect of A-Level Geography, then please contact Mr C Pittam (Head of Geography): cpittam@idsall.shropshire.sch.uk
Exam Board: Edexcel