AS and A level Geography

Course code: GES

Level: A Level, AS Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

Geography explores both people and places allowing us to study how natural processes shape the places we live in and consider how best to manage different environments.  It will involve discussion on issues that affect our daily lives such as climate change, natural hazards, changes in towns and the countryside and extreme weather.

 

Requirements

You will need:
At least five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics. You need to enjoy finding out about current events, completing practical work and communicating ideas through essays. You will also carry out practical work on fieldtrips, interpret photographs and maps and analyse numerical data.

 

 

Course Content

In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for an AS Level. In Year 2 you will take units 3 and 4 to complete the full A level.

Unit 1: Physical and Human Geography
You will investigate rivers and flooding, the reasons and issues created by population change, the landforms found in cold environments and global food security.

You will be assessed by examination

Unit 2: Geographical Skills
In this unit you will use fieldwork and data analysis techniques to take a closer look at changes in our towns and countryside as well as the landforms found in cold environments and factors affecting global food security.

You will be assessed by examination

Unit 3: Contemporary Geographic Issues
The use and management of resources is a key issue for Geography and today’s world. Consumption patterns highlight stark inequalities between regions, countries and groups of people, Many resources are finite and rising consumption means that difficult decisions over the use of resources will have to be taken more frequently. In this unit you will study topics selected from:

  • Plate tectonics and associated hazards
  • Weather and climate and associated hazards
  • Ecosystems: change and challenge
  • World cities
  • Development and globalisation
  • Contemporary conflicts and challenges
  • You will be assessed by examination.

Unit 4: Geographical Fieldwork/Issue Evaluation
This unit allows you to work in greater detail on a particular fieldwork topic or to demonstrate your skills by evaluating a current geographic issue.

You will be assessed by examination.     

What else do I need to know?

Geography combines well with almost all other AS level subjects, Science or the Arts.  Common combinations include Biology, Chemistry, Maths as well as History, Economics, Sociology and English.  Students could also take Geography with a vocational A level.  A wide range of career and higher education opportunities exist.  Geographers are sought after because of their training in problem solving and decision making and can transfer their skills to areas such as law, accounting and journalism.  With further training at degree level they can find careers involving environmental monitoring, urban planning, conservation and water management.

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