GEOGRAPHY: AS + A2 LEVEL [EDEXCEL]

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?
There are no formal requirements for the GCE in Geography.However, you will benefit from having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is going on!

What will I learn?
The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing. It can enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team working, problem solving and environmental awareness.

At AS level (Year 11 and Autumn Term Year 12) you will study global themes, including globalisation and climate change. You will discover how your own actions can relate to the wider world, be it your local area or a country far away. You will study two units, Unit 1 and Unit 2:

• Unit 1: Global Challenges - In this unit you will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges

• Unit 2: Geographical Investigations -This gives you an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including fieldwork.  You will investigate two topics in depth, one of Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts (physical geography), and one of Unequal Spaces or Rebranding Places (human geography)

At A2 level (Year 12 Spring and Summer term, Year 13) you will learn how the world is contested and develop practical research skills in your chosen area.  You will study two units, Unit 3 and Unit 4:

• 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 - 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 choose one topic from these six options:

  - Tectonic Activity and Hazards - Cold Environments - The World of Cultural Diversity

  - Life on the Margins - the Food Supply problem - Pollution and Human Health at Risk - Consuming the Rural Landscape

Is this the right subject for me?
The Advanced GCE in Geography will appeal to you if:

• you are curious about the world’s places, peoples and environments
• you like asking questions and finding answers
• you are interested in local, regional and global issues
• you have the ability to think independently
• you wish to explore human, physical and environmental geographical relationships.

How will I be assessed?

AS – two units:

Unit 1: Global Challenges
1½ hour written examination

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations
1¼ hour written examination - you will be asked about your fieldwork skills in this examination.

A2 - two further units (exams taken in Year 13):

Unit 3: Contested Planet
2½ hour written examination, including pre-released synoptic resources (4 weeks in advance).  Part 1 of the examination will cover five of the six Unit 3 topics; Part 2 will cover the sixth topic in a synoptic context (i.e. pulling together aspects of the other five topics).

Unit 4: Geographical Research
1½ hour examination, including a pre-released ‘research focus’ (4 weeks in advance).  You will be asked to answer one question on the option of your choice.

Fieldwork

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations offers the opportunity to undertake fieldwork when investigating the topics chosen. Fieldwork can be a great experience and allows you to apply your knowledge and understanding in a practical way. We conduct a two day residential fieldtrip based at the University of Plymouth.

Unit 4: Geographical Research also offers opportunities for fieldwork; you won’t be asked directly about fieldwork in your exam but it may help you when discussing your research.

What can I do after I’ve completed the course?
An A-Level in Geography opens doors!

You will find that studying geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of Higher Education courses and/or employment opportunities.

Next steps!
Interested?  Talk to your teachers in the first instance.They should be able to advise you on what steps to take.