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/