Geography

Geography is seen by universities as a bridging subject with links to the sciences such as Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics; the Social Sciences such as Psychology, Sociology and Business Studies; Arts subjects such as Modern Languages, English or History. It can be taken in combination with almost any subject and is popular with universities and employers because of the key skills gained during the course.

The course followed is the AQA specification.

The AS Course involves 2 modules.

Unit 1 Physical and Human Geography

Physical Options: Rivers, floods and their management, Coastal environments
Human Options: Global population change, Health issues

This will be examined in a 2 hour paper taken in June and represents 35% of the total A Level grades.

Unit 2 Geographical Skills

A geographical skills paper based on the content of Unit 1. These skills are taught as an integral part of Unit 1 and not as a separate unit. Part of the preparation will involve a residential field trip where particular aspects of the course will be covered.

The skills paper will be examined in a 1 hour paper taken in January. It represents 15% of the total A Level grade.

The A2 Course will consist of 2 further modules

Unit 3 Contemporary Geographical Issues

This will consist of two physical and two human options
Physical Options: Plate tectonics and associated hazards
Ecosystems: change and challenge

Human Options: World cities
Development and globalisation

This module will be examined in a 2 ½ hour paper and represents 30% of the total A Level grade.

Unit 4 Geographical Issue Evaluation
A written examination based on pre-released material including elements of field work enquiry skills.

Preparation takes place in school and on a residential field trip in the autumn term.

This module will be examined in a 1 ½ hour paper taken in January. It represents 20% of the A Level grade.