Course title – Geography Edexcel (9GEO1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html
Why study Geography?
There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography. Learning about vital issues such as climate change, migration, environmental issues, natural disasters, energy and water insecurity which are just some of the challenges facing the next generation. Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. The Russel group of universities names geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. This is a subject most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options open to you at university. In 2015 The Guardian identified geography as the ‘must-have A Level’
Topics studied:
Year 12
- Tectonic Processes and Hazards
- Globalisation
- Coastal Landscapes and Change
- Diverse Places
Year 13
- The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
- The Water cycle and Water Insecurity
- Superpowers
- Heath, Human Rights and Intervention
Fieldwork
This is an essential and integral part of A Level Geography. A residential 5 day field trip will be run during September of year 13. We stay at Castle Head Field Study Centre in Grange-over-Sands. This enables you to collect your data for your coursework.
https://www.field-studies-council.org/locations/castlehead/
How is Geography assessed?
- 80% exam from 3 exam papers
- 20% NEA (coursework)
Paper 1 – Dynamic Landscapes, Physical Systems and Sustainability (30% of A Level)
Tectonic Processes and Hazards
Coastal landscapes
Water Cycle and Water Insecurity.
Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity:
Superpowers
Paper 2 – Dynamic Places, Human Systems and Geopolitics (30% of A Level)
Globalisation
Superpowers
Diverse Places
Health, human rights and intervention
Paper 3 – Synoptic Investigation of a geographical issue (20% of A Level)
A full copy of the specification can be viewed here https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html
Entry Requirements
Students must have taken Geography at GCSE and achieved at least a grade 5; Mathematics at grade 5 or above is also required for this subject.
Person Specification – qualities required for success in Geography
- A wonder about the world
- An interest in current affairs
- Be able to work independently
- Analytic and critical thinker
- Competent maths skills
- Competent essay and report writing skills
Progression information
As a degree subject, Geography is highly respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It’s often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do. Geography gives you the chance to keep your options open. Geographers may pursue careers in sustainability, urban regenerations, energy supply, retail location, town planning, management of hazards and climate change. They can also undertake careers in business, law, human rights, international relations to name but a few careers. You can find more information here on the RGS website:
https://www.rgs.org/geography/choose-geography/careers/
https://www.rgs.org/geography/choose-geography/geography-at-school/
Reproduced by permission from the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) ©RGS-IBG