Geography
Course Outline
Geography is a popular and successful subject at AGS, with results consistently above the national average. Students will study both physical and human geography and acquire a wide variety of transferable skills. Students will learn in many ways, such as by using ICT, maps, data analysis, photos, videos, GIS and independent research. Fieldwork is an integral part of the A-level course. Previous fieldwork has included studies into glaciation in the Lake District; investigating processes in the water and carbon cycles; and deprivation studies in the local area.
Exam Board: Edexcel
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 GCSE Geography.
Students must be prepared to keep on top of current geographical issues by reading around the subject, e.g. articles, magazines, the internet and TV news/documentaries.
Programme of Study
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Paper 1 – Physical Geography 2hr 15 mins (30% of A-level)
· Tectonic Processes and Hazards · Glaciated Landscapes and Change · The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity · The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Paper 2 – Human Geography 2hr 15 mins (30% of A-level)
· Globalisation · Regenerating Places · Superpowers · Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
Paper 3 – Synoptic paper 2hr 15 mins (20% of A-level)
· This paper will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context. · It is rooted around content from Paper 1 and/or Paper 2 and is linked to three synoptic themes (Players, Attitudes and actions; Futures and uncertainties).
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Independent Investigation (Coursework)
(20% of A-level) · The student must define a question/issue for investigation, relating to the course content. · The student must then collect fieldwork data to produce an investigation report which will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing. · 3000-4000 words.
Fieldwork · Compulsory minimum of four days of fieldwork, including both physical and human geography.
Geographical Skills · Understand the nature and use of different types of geographical information · Collect, analyse and interpret information · Undertake informed and critical questioning of data and methodologies · Communicate and evaluate findings · Develop quantitative and qualitative data skills, including graphical, cartographical and statistical.
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Progression Opportunities
Geography is highly valued by universities/employers and is classed as a facilitating subject – that is a subject more frequently required for entry to degree courses than others. Geography keeps more options open for you. Geography opens up a wide variety of career opportunities due to the skills acquired, including environmental management, urban planning, finance, law, marketing, education, government, tourism and GIS to name a few! AGS students have recently gone on to study geography at top universities, including Oxbridge and Durham.