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Geography
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Our expectations and academic recommendations:
If you have enjoyed Mathematics at IGCSE, and have coped easily with the challenges presented to you, then you could consider Further Mathematics as an additional qualification.
Please note that it is only possible to study Further Mathematics if you take A Level Mathematics.
What Higher Education/Careers could this subject lead to?
Further Mathematics benefits students who go on to study Mathematics or a Mathematics related subject at university.
Subject detail Specification: Edexcel Examination format and course outline:
Coursework: NO
Students take four papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2 may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content (Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations).
Paper 3: Further Mathematics Option 1 on one
of the following options: A: Further Pure Mathematics 1 B: Further Statistics 1 C: Further Mechanics 1
Paper 4: Further Mathematics Option 2 on
one of the following options: A: Further Pure Mathematics 2 B: Further Statistics 1 C: Further Mechanics 1 D: Further Statistics 2 E: Further Mechanics 2
Each paper is a 90 minutes written examination, each worth 25% of the qualification
Why you should study this subject:
The study of Geography answers the fundamental questions: • What shapes the world around us? • How do we interact with the world around us? • Can we manage the world in a more sustainable way?
It therefore synthesises how people react with each other and how they shape and are shaped by the natural environment. It also seeks to suggest ways in which we all can live in one world. The study of geography is really a study on how we live life and how we can live life in a better way that benefits both all people on the planet as well as the other 10 million species that inhabit our world. As such a girl learns fundamental truths about their relationship to other people as well as their relationship to the environment that supports us.
What you will gain from studying the subject:
A better understanding of how, if we are all to develop, we must not just work with each other but the natural systems that constitute our world – the land, air and seas. As it is considered as both an art and a science it gives you a broadly balanced A Level that allows specialism in either discipline later in your academic career.
Our expectations and academic recommendations:
A keen and enquiring mind that wants to answer the questions: • Why is it there? • How was it formed? • Why do I have the lifestyle that I have? • What impacts do I have on the world? • What impacts do natural systems have on me? • How can we all live on one Earth?
There are no pre-requites for taking A Level Geography apart from an open mind and an interest in people and the environment. You do not need to have taken Geography at GCSE. Geography
Geography
What Higher Education/Careers could this subject lead to?
Geography has been described as the ‘Jack of all trades and the master of none’. A Geography A Level and then degree will allow you to follow careers from environmental research to aiding in reducing the development gap to working in the city for TNC’s. It allows you to make what you want of it!
Subject detail Specification: Edexcel Examination format and course outline:
Coursework: NO
The new linear A Level course in Geography is an exciting, thought provoking and challenging new approach to Geography. The four units focus on the geographical issues that are currently of such concern; Global warming, increasing risk from hazards, globalization and international migration.
Unit 1 – Dynamic Landscapes
Area of study 1, Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards Area of study 1, Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change, Coastal Landscapes and Change Area of study 3, Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity Area of study 3, Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes. 30% of the qualification.
The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions.
Unit 2 – Dynamic Places
Area of study 2, Topic 3: Globalisation Area of study 2, Topic 4: Shaping Places, including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 4A Regenerating Places or 4B Diverse Places Area of study 4, Topic 7: Superpowers Area of study 4, Topic 8: Global Development and Connections, including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 8A Health, Human Rights and Intervention or 8B Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes. 30% of the qualification.
The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions.
Unit 3 – Synoptic Investigation
An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue.
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes. 20% of the qualification.
The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 8-mark, 18-mark and 24mark extended writing questions.
Unit 4 – Independent Investigation
The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification. The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data. The fieldwork, which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation, may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human. The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing. Students will be expected to show evidence that they have used both quantitative and qualitative data to support their independent investigation as appropriate to the particular environment and/ or location.
