Geography

Geography (AQA 7036/7037)

Geography is a pretty unique subject because it invites us to study both the physical structure of the planet and the social and economic structure (i.e. how we affect our environment and how it affects us) in the past, present and future. Studying for an A Level in Geography will help you to develop your observational, analytical, interpretative and predictive skills – invaluable to many other areas of study and life.

What will I study?

• Component 1 | Physical Geography

In this module students are introduced to glacial systems and landscapes and hazards.

A Level only: Water and carbon cycles complete the unit, alongside the topics covered at AS Level. • Component 2 | Human Geography

In this module students will learn about changing places and investigative skills, including statistical analysis of data and fieldwork.

A Level only: Global systems and global governance and population and the environment complete the unit, alongside the Changing Places topic. • Component 3 | Geography Fieldwork

Investigation (NEA)

All students are required to undertake fieldwork in relation to processes in both physical and human geography throughout the course, equating to four days during their A Level course. Students will normally undertake a two day residential to Snowdonia in Year 12 and a further two day residential to Dorset in Year 13, with local fieldwork also included during some lessons, where applicable. • Geographical Skills

During their course students will develop an understanding of different types of geographical information and learn how to communicate and evaluate findings, including the ability to construct extended written arguments about geographical matters.

Future career options | A Level Geography develops the transferable skills and the key skills that employers are looking for, they can lead to a very wide range of employment opportunities including careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change, business and economics, law, human rights, international relations and journalism.

Good subject combinations | Geography provides the bridge between the Humanities and the Sciences and combines well with almost all other subjects.

Entry requirements | GCSE in both Mathematics and Geography at grade 9-6.

How will I be assessed?

Year One Assessment Content Details

Component 1: Physical Geography Section A: Glacial systems and landscapes. Section B: Hazards. Written exam: one hour, 45 minutes. 80 marks (50% of AS Level).

Component 2: Human Geography Section A: Changing places. Section B: Geography fieldwork investigation and geographical skills. Written exam: one hour, 30 minutes. 80 marks (50% of AS Level).

Year Two Assessment Content Details

Component 1: Physical Geography Section A: Water and carbon cycles. Section B: Glacial systems and landscapes. Section C: Hazards. Written exam: two hours, 30 minutes. 120 marks (40% of A Level).

Component 2: Human Geography

Component 3: Geography Fieldwork Investigation Section A: Global systems and global governance. Section B: Changing places. Section C: Population and the environment.

An individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content. Primary data will be collected as part of a residential fieldwork trip. Written exam: two hours, 30 minutes. 120 marks (40% of A Level).

4,000 words (guidance). 60 marks (20% of A Level).