• Geography

Geography

Geography combines exceptionally well with almost all other AS and A level subjects. Taken with Sciences and/or Mathematics, Geography supports applications for almost any science-based university course such as Engineering, Psychology and Oceanography.  Taken with Humanities like English, History and Economics, Geography supports an equally wide range of university courses such as Business, Law, Media, Politics and Philosophy.

Type of work required and skills involved:

This course will appeal to you if:

  • you are curious about the world’s places, peoples and environments
  • you like asking questions and finding out the answers
  • you are interested in local, regional and global issues
  • you would like to develop the ability to work and think more independently
  • you wish to explore human, physical and environmental geographical relationships.
  • you enjoy investigating geographical questions through fieldwork and research

Future Prospects

Geography prepares you for a wide range of possible career or higher education opportunities.  Throughout the course you will develop essential and transferable life skills.  The course offers many key skills which are increasingly in great demand and are formally recognised by employers and universities.

Course specification - Edexcel

Unit 3:
Contested Planet: in this unit you will consider five key world issues and in the sixth topic discuss possible technological solutions to the problems: Energy Security, Water Conflicts, Biodiversity Under Threat, Superpower Geographies, Bridging the Development Gap, and the Technological Fix?

Unit 4:
Geographical research: this will allow you to develop further the investigative skills gained at AS level and prepare you for the demands of higher education or employment. You will study one of the following six options: Tectonic activity and hazards, Cold environments, Life on the margins - the food supply problem, The world of cultural diversity, Pollution and human health at risk, and Consuming the rural landscape.

Examination and Assessment

AS

Unit

Type of Assessment

Duration

Weighting

 

 

AS

A2

Unit 1

Global Challenge Examination

1 hour 30 min

30%

60%

Unit 2

Geographic Investigations Exam (incorporating fieldwork experience)

1 hour

20%

40%

A2

Unit 3

Contested Planet Exam involving pre-release materials

2 hours 30 min

 

30%

  

Key Texts

  • Edexcel A2 Geography: Sue Warn Cameron Dunn; published by Philip Allan
  • A2 Geography for Edexcel: Digby; Hurst published by Oxford