A Level Geography
COURSE OVERVIEW
Geography is diverse, topical, exciting and challenging. It provides a holistic view of the world and develops a greater understanding of the human and physical processes that shape it.
EXAMINATION BOARD: Edexcel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Grade 5 in GCSE Geography and grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.
STUDYING A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY
Why study A Level Geography at Blackpool Sixth?
At Blackpool Sixth you will have experienced teachers who have current and previous experience of examining for the subject. Geography is a well-respected subject and superb preparation for studying academic courses at university.
How will I be taught?
- Group and peer working
- Individual investigative work
- Directed sessions
- A range of learning activities
Teacher expertise
Your A Level Geography teacher has a wealth of experience gained through over 20 years of teaching. They are also an experienced examiner, having examined for both the AQA and Edexcel exam boards.
What skills will I develop?
- A holistic understanding of global issues
- A structured approach to learning
- Project management skills
- Enhanced skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation
- The skills to become a reflective and independent learner
How will I be assessed?
80
%- 80% Exams
- Paper 1 – Physical Geography (30%)
- Paper 2 – Human Geography (30%)
- Paper 3 – Synoptic Paper (20%)
20
%- 20% Non-examined assessment (Coursework)
What will you study and other information about A Level Geography
- What will I study?
Paper 1 – Physical Geography
Tectonic processes and hazards – We will examine locations at risk from tectonic hazards and explain how tectonic hazards have the potential to become disasters. Within this topic, we will also assess the management of tectonic hazards and disasters.
Coastal landscapes & change – An investigation into coastal processes, landforms and landscapes, including the investigation of coastal risk and managing risks and conflicts.
The Water Cycle and water insecurity – We will examine the operation and importance of the hydrological cycle and how changes can create short and long-term variations in the hydrological cycle. We will also evaluate issues around water security.
The Carbon Cycle and energy security – We will examine the carbon cycle and explain the role it has in planetary health. We will evaluate consequences of the increasing demand for energy and human threats to the global climate system.
Paper 2 – Human Geography
Globalisation – In this unit, we will examine the factors that have led to the acceleration of globalisation and analyse the geographical impacts of globalisation. In addition, we will assess the development and environmental challenges of globalisation.
Regenerating places – We will examine how and why places vary, the reasons why regeneration might be needed and how regeneration is managed. This will include a detailed assessment of the need for regeneration through the detailed examination of socio-economic and environmental factors.
Superpowers – We will examine superpowers, assess their impacts, and examine how their spheres of influence and mechanisms of power have evolved over time.
Migration, identity & sovereignty – An examination of the impacts of globalisation on international migration and nation-states in a globalised world. We will also evaluate the actions of global organisations and their impacts and threats to state sovereignty.
Paper 3 – Synoptic Investigation
This paper consists of a series of short and extended writing questions based on a scenario / setting outlined in an unseen resource booklet provided in the exam.
NEA / Coursework
Students have a free choice of their own investigation, providing that the title and scope of the investigation is related to the Geographical content covered in the specification.
- Equipment and Financial contributions
No purchases are required for this course.
Students may wish to purchase their own course textbook for the A level course “Edexcel A Level Geography Book 1” ISBN-9781471856549 at an approximate cost of £25. However, copies of these will be made available in class.
Online booklets are available for each unit and will also be provided in a paper format. Students will have an opportunity to undertake fieldwork at a local level at no cost.
- Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
Students will carry out 4 days of mandatory fieldwork in the local area. Students will have the opportunity to research work placements and potential EPQ investigations related to Geography. Students may have the opportunity to attend a Humanities department led overseas expedition. Opportunities to attend lectures from guest speakers, e.g. Lancaster University.
Where does it lead?
Geography can lead students into a very diverse range of vocations and university courses. Sabine Dunstan – Land Economy at Cambridge University; Jane Hardy-Jones – MSci Hons Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University.
Humanities at Blackpool sixth
