At KS5 we study the GCE specification offered by Edexcel.

The course is designed to address key ideas and debates in the world today, such as climate change, globalisation, urban regeneration and management of the world’s resources. It also aims to provide knowledge and understanding of physical processes and human behaviour.

Course Video

What will the subject include?

Key Stage 5

The Edexcel A Level Geography course involves the study of four units over two years. 

Year 12

 Unit 1: Dynamic Landscapes

• Topic 1:  Tectonic Processes and Hazards
  Look at why some places are more at risk than others; in depth study of specific earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis; evaluate hazard management techniques.
• Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change – focus on Coasts
  Look at distinctive coastal processes and link to the characteristic landforms they create; investigate the cause of sea level rise and evaluate the potential risks facing coastal areas; evaluate the success of coastal management strategies. (Includes fieldwork)

Unit 2: Dynamic Places

• Topic 3: Globalisation
  Look at the changes in world trade over the last 50 years; consider the reasons for the rapid acceleration of global trade recently; investigate the impacts of globalisation on development issues, people and cultures.
• Topic 4: Shaping Places – focus on Urban Regeneration (includes fieldwork)
  Consider social, economic and environmental aspects of our local area and compare to a contrasting area; consider what regeneration does and why it is needed in some places; investigate examples of regeneration and how it is managed.

Year 13

 Unit 3: Physical Systems and Sustainability

• Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Security
• Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Unit 4: Human Systems and Geopolitics

• Topic 7: Superpowers
• Topic 8: Global Development
  Choice of researching into Health, Human Rights and Intervention or Migration, Identity and Sovereignty.

Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)

In Year 13, students will complete a 4000 word independent investigation on an area of the A level syllabus.

Fieldwork

Students must participate in two days of fieldwork study in Year 12 and a further four days in Year 13. Year 12 students will have the opportunity to participate in a 3 day residential activity.

A level is examined at the end of the second year through three 2hr 15 minute examinations combined with the Non-Examined Assessment.

Where will it lead?

A Level Geography can lead on to a wide range of careers and further qualifications in both the arts and sciences: Aid agencies, Travel Journalism, Town and Country Planning, Transport Management, Property Researcher, Business Consultant, River and Flood Management, Environment Agency, Education, Research, Local Government, Forest Enterprise, Meteorological work.

Geography also gives students good prospects into other non related careers such as: Accountancy, Law, Police and Armed Services, due to the skills, analytical and data handling techniques learnt through the subject.

Which other subjects complement this subject?

Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject and therefore compliments both science and art based subjects.

Subject specific requirements?

Minimum level 5/6 in GCSE geography or science for any student who did not take GCSE Geography.

Link to exam board

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html