Geography

Edexcel A Level Geography challenges students to engage with the physical and human world in new ways through a wide variety of interlocking issues. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to look at issues from a wide range of perspectives and to appreciate that no single vision of the world is correct. This is a multi-disciplinary course that involves essay writing, statistical analysis, and critical decision making. The Geography department organises a number of fieldtrips as well as an optional overseas trip.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Component 1 Dynamic Physical Processes (30%): Topics in this section include Coastal Processes and Change; Geophysical Hazards; Earth’s Cycle (carbon and hydrological cycle); Energy and Water Security. These units take an in-depth look at the environmental science of a physical world and the challenges faced. It also addresses the geopolitical issues associated with resource management, widely believed to be the greatest challenge we face in the future.

Component 2 Dynamic Places (30%): Topics in this section include Globalisation; Diverse Places; Superpowers and Health; Human Rights and Interventions. This area of study focuses on changes to the human world and how areas are connected or disconnected. It examines how our understanding of places is made and redefined by different groups of people according to their power and influence.

Component 3 Synoptic Links (20%): Throughout the course there are 3 recurring themes (key player; attitudes and actions; futures and uncertainties). For this, you will apply your knowledge from across the course to a place-based geographical issue, critically examining the issue to provide an evaluation of the sustainability of this issue.

Component 4 Independent Investigation (20%): You are required to conduct 4 days of fieldwork during the course. The first 2 days will enable you to build an understanding of a wide range of fieldwork techniques and then produce documentation in preparation for the independent investigation. You will then undertake two further days of fieldwork, collecting data for your own investigation that accounts for 20% of the final A Level grade. To help you complete this fieldwork, the Geography department organises fieldtrips to Winterton, to London Olympic Park, and to Dorset.

The Edexcel website offers more information on the course content and assessment.

Minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths. Additionally, this course requires Grade 5 in either English Language or Geography.

A Level geography will give you an excellent set of transferable skills including the ability to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, conduct research, employ statistical methods and ICT skills. You could move on to to university to study a geography or environmental science related degree. There are opportunities to go directly into technician level employment or an apprenticeship in areas such as conservation, waste or energy management.