Brief Overview: Why study Geography at A – Level?
“You can travel the seas, poles and deserts and see nothing. To really understand the world you need to get under the skin of the people and places. In other words, learn about geography. I can’t imagine a subject more relevant in schools. We’d all be lost without it.”
Michael Palin
Geography A Level at Stepney Green Maths, Computing & Science College
Edexcel Exam Board
The 2016 A Level Course aims to be an engaging and contemporary based approach to Geography. This course develops a holistic understanding of geography which supports progression to undergraduate level while developing skills and qualities which are viewed highly by Russell Group universities and employers.
This course covers a good balance of both human and physical geography themes and offers the opportunity to carry out fieldwork on a residential trip.
Core themes from 2016:
- Water and Carbon Cycles
- Landscape Systems
- Global Systems Global Governance
- Changing Place; Changing Places
Assessment Requirements
The AS and A Level courses are both liner with examinations taking place at the end of the one year (AS Level) or two years (A Level) Course.
Year 12 Content
Topic 1: Tectonic Plates and Hazards. A study of tectonic hazards, the processes which cause them, how they are monitored and the impacts they can have on various locations.
Topic 2: Coastal Landscapes. A study of coastal processes and landforms, the management of coastal erosion and
Topic 3: Globalisation. A study of the process that have led to increased globalisation, its characteristics, impacts and consequences.
Topic 4: Regeneration. A study of regeneration, its characteristics, processes and impacts. In particular, it explores why, for many, regeneration is so contested.
SOW:
Year 13 Content
Topic 5: The water cycle and insecurity. A study of the water cycle and the ways in which was has become a major issue in terms of both quantity and quality in different parts of the world.
Topic 6: The carbon cycle and energy security. A study of the carbon cycle and the ways in which energy is a major global issue – not just in terms of security of supply, but also of its impact on the carbon cycle.
Topic 7: Superpowers. A study of superpowers and the shifting global influence of the modern world.
Topic 8: Migration, identity and sovereignty. A study of international migration and identity, how these may change in a globalised world and the reasons why the sovereignty of nation states may be challenged by the process of globalisation.
SOW:
Independant Investigation
All year 13 students will carry out an independent investigation or coursework. This is worth 20% of a students over all qualification.
Fieldwork Requirements
Year 12 students are required to complete a MINIMUM of 2 days’ fieldwork. One-day human and one-day physical field study.
Year 13 students are required tocomplete a MINIMUM of 4 days’ fieldwork. This will be carried out as a 4 day residential trip which will cover all the content needed to equip students to complete their independent research investigation (20%) of total A Level qualification.
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 and above in Geography (or Humanities) GCSE.
