Geography

A Level |Edexcel

Geography is a diverse subject that interlinks with many other subjects, on the physical side studying and understanding how volcanoes and earthquakes work and effect on people is captivating. Also, in Geography we often have conversations about up-to-date events that link to the content for example the effect of COVID 19 on global migration, and the significance of the carbon cycle now due to climate change becoming such an important global issue. Other subjects complement Geography too including business studies, religion & ethics, psychology and many more; the skills you learn studying Geography include forming a balanced argument, developing and explaining points and widening your knowledge of lots of different cultures. Globalisation includes how countries work together often linking to migration; regeneration is also interesting as we study local areas like Sale and Altrincham including how they became the towns you know today. You should choose Geography as it has this and much more- Dylan, Year 13

Why study Geography?
Geography at A Level is a unique bridge between the social and earth sciences. It raises awareness of the environment and enhances your knowledge of the world around you. It opens doors to many careers, from becoming an architect to a business analyst, town planner to environmental officer, travel agent to teacher. During the course you will be able to develop your problem solving skills and learn to communicate effectively through written, verbal and ICT media.

Extra-curricular aspects of the course
The Course requires students to undertake a minimum of 4 days field study days for the A Level component. The
department would anticipate a number of field trips both locally and nationally to meet this prerequisite with the possibility of a trip abroad to enhance the students understanding and enjoyment of the course.

Entry Requirements
A Grade 6 is preferred at Geography GCSE for students considering studying A Level Geography. For those who have not studied Geography at GCSE level, a Grade 6 in GCSE English or Grade 6 in Leisure & Tourism or Environmental Science is required.

Higher Education and Careers
A wide variety of universities offer Geography as a degree. There is a BSc in Geography, which is mainly physically
based, however, both human and physical topics are studied in the first year. There is also BA Geography, which is mainly human based, but again the first year offers both physical and human topics. This allows flexibility to change between the two degrees at the end of the first year. Some universities also offer similar degrees under different titles such as environmental sustainability courses; such courses can have different entry requirements too. It is suggested students research universities fully to discover the wide range of courses available to students with Geography as one of their A Levels. Geography can lead to a range of careers including teaching, research work in environmental sectors, retail, marketing, advertising, accountancy, law, the travel industry and many more.

Equipment required for the course
Standard equipment is required similar to other courses including stationery and Maths utensils such as a calculator, protractor and compass which will be used mainly when completing the fieldwork element. For field trips, students will have to undertake most research on foot so suitable footwear such as walking boots, waterproof coat and trousers and a rucksack are advisable. If students have difficulty sourcing these items the department will endeavour to suggest alternative options.

Assessment
A Level
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Geography consists of three externally examined papers and one coursework component. Students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.

Paper 1 (Paper code: 9GE0/01)

Paper 2 (Paper code: 9GE0/02)

Paper 3 (*Paper code: 9GE0/03)

Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes. 30% of the qualification. 105
marks. Content overview:
Area of study 1, Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
Area of study 1, Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change – including
optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 2A: Glaciated
Landscapes and Change or 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change

Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes. 30% of the qualification. 105 marks. Content overview:
Area of study 2, Topic 3: Globalisation
Area of study 2, Topic 4: Shaping Places – including optional sub-topics from
which students choose one from two: 4A Regenerating Places or 4B Diverse Places

Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes. 20% of the qualification. 70
marks.

Content overview:

● Players

● Attitudes and actions

● Futures and uncertainties.

The synoptic investigation will
be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.

Coursework: Independent Investigation (9GE0/04)
Non-examined assessment. 20% of the qualification. 70 marks
Content overview: The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the course studied and it may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human. The investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data. The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing.
Assessment overview: The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated. The student will produce a written report of 3000–4000 words.

For more information on this course please contact

Mrs T Williams
mrswilliams@bthcc.org.uk