Geography

  • Board: Edexcel
  • Syllabus: AS – 8GE01: A2 – 9GE01
Modules
  1. AS Global challenges – In this unit you will study a range of topics such as global hazards, climate change and globalisation.
  2. Geographical investigation – This gives you an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including fieldwork. You will investigate two topics in depth: Crowded Coasts (focusing on the Bournemouth and Poole coastline including the artificial surf reef at Boscombe), and Rebranding Places (focusing on Weymouth and Portland)
  3. A2 Contested planet – In this unit you will study six key world problems: energy security, water conflicts, threatened biodiversity, superpower geography, bridging the development gap and the 'technological fix'?
  4. Geographical Research – This allows you to develop further the investigative skills gained at AS level. You have to choose one of four options and then carry out a programme of research into it on your own. There is no coursework. You write about your research results in an A2 exam.
Method of Assessment

AS Unit 1 – 1hour 30 minutes (30%); Unit 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes (20%)

A2 Unit 3 – 2 hours 30 minutes (30%); Unit 4 – 1 hour 30 minutes (20%)

Further information

At AS you will study global themes. You will discover how your own actions can relate to the wider world. At A2 you will also develop practical skills needed to carry out investigative work. Much of A2 work is focused on you as an independent learner, with your teachers acting as guides and mentors rather than as providers of information. You will study two modules (called Units).

The exams offer a variety of challenges. The AS papers will contain short structured questions (very similar in style to the GCSE papers) and some essay writing. Many of the questions will be based on an accompanying resource booklet (again similar in style to GCSE). In Unit 2 you will be answering questions on your fieldwork investigation.

The A2 exams offer a uniquely different challenge. Extended essay writing is required on questions based on a resource booklet that is released to you six weeks before the examination. In unit 4 you will be answering questions on your research work.

There will be a residential field trip during the Upper Sixth. It is not necessary to have studied Geography GCSE to do A Level. It would suit those who have done well at GCSE in English, Maths or the Sciences. You will need to have an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has been formed or an interest in how you will be affected by trans-national corporations. You will need to be willing to leave the classroom a lot, either in person (fieldwork) or via an internet search on your computer. You need to develop good ICT skills and be keen to work on your own.

Career-wise, geography opens doors! It is a brilliant and exciting first step to a wide range of higher education courses and/or employment opportunities.