20%
Coursework
Geography
Course Overview
Geography is the study of physical and human environments and how they interact together. It is delivered in the two disciplines of Physical and Human Geography and deals with a range of current topical global issues. Geography builds on what is covered at GCSE Level and apply a range of detailed contemporary case studies to core geographical concepts. You will study the systems, patterns and processes that happen in both urban and rural areas. The content includes analysing the answer to questions such as: ‘How do places change people’s identity? Is the world becoming a borderless place? How do coastal processes affect the lives anf humans? Can humans survive in the future? Can natural disasters really be mitigated? Without Geography we stand little chance of answering such questions.
Assessment Objectives
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change, at a global, national, regional and local scale.
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues;
AO3: Use a variety of relevant quantitative, qualitative and fieldwork skills to:
investigate geographical questions and issues
interpret, analyse and evaluate data and evidence
construct arguments and draw conclusions
Examination Board:
Eduqas
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 in GCSE Geography and grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.
Course Level:
A Level
What skills will I develop?
| Application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts | |
| The skills to become a reflective and independent learner | |
| Enhanced skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation | |
| Project management skills |
How will I be assessed?
80%
Exam
The Eduqas course comprises of three examinations and an independent investigation. The following content is spread over the two year course. It is a linear course with all exams taken at the end of year 13.
Core Units:
Paper 1: Changing Ladscapes and Changing Places:
Section A: Changing Coastal Landscapes: Section B: Changing Places.
Paper 2: Global Systems and Global Governance
Section A: Global systems: water and carbon cycles
Section B: Global Governance – Change and challenges of oceans and migration
Section C: 21st Century Challenges.
Paper 3: Contemporary Themes in Geography
Section A: Tectinic Hazards Section B: Ecosystems & Energy Challenges and Dilemmas
Component 1: Written exam 1 hour 45 minutes – all questions are compulsory and vary in length from 2 – 15 marks.
Component 2: Written exam 2 hours – combination of
compulsory and optional questions, these vary in length from 2 – 20 marks.
Component 3: Written exam 2 hours 15 minutes combination of compulsory and optional questions, three in total, each is a 45 mark essay question.
Component 4: Non examination based investigation submitted in school and marked by external moderators.
Is there anything else I should know?
Field trips are an integral part of the geography department at St Mary’s. It is a vital and valuable component of the compulsory phase of every student’s school experience. Four days of fieldwork opportunities are organised to enable students to experience and test theory learnt in the classroom in a variety of contexts.
Progression Routes
Geography is highly regarded and considered a ‘facilitating subject’ for the top universities in the country, regardless of the degree that you wish to study. It provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to progress onto Law and other traditionally ‘humanities’ subjects but also for Medicine and Veterinary Science as well as Business or Management.
Previous students have gone on to study Geography at university, as either a science or in the arts faculties. Your skills of data analysis, interpretation and your ability to present logical arguments match the skills required in today’s workplace.
Geographersare highly skilled in both literacy and numeracy, and employers recognise the abilities A Level Geographers possess. A geographical background is beneficial in the following careers: Crime Intelligence Analyst, Travel Writer, Environmental Manager, Teaching and Engineering.