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SIXTH FORMSUBJECT INFORMATION

A Level Geography “As a young man, my fondest dream was to become a geographer. However, while working in the customs office I thought deeply about the matter and concluded it was too difficult a subject. With some reluctance I then turned to physics as a substitute.”

Albert Einstein, Professor D. F. Marble

Geography is the integrated study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live. It is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with its understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, and the earth sciences (physical geography) in the understanding of the dynamics of physical landscapes and environmental processes. Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the essential context of places and regions - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world and the links between them.

Four areas of study:1. Dynamic Landscapes2. Dynamic Places 3. Physical Systems and Sustainability4. Human Systems and Geopolitics

Dynamic LandscapesTopic 1: Tectonic Processes and HazardsTopic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change

a choice of either:

2A Glaciated Landscapes and Change or2B Coastal Landscapes and Change

Dynamic Places Topic 3: GlobalisationTopic 4: Shaping Places

a choice of either:

4A Regenerating Places or 4B Diverse Places

Physical Systems and Sustainability Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water InsecurityTopic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Human Systems and GeopoliticsTopic 7: SuperpowersTopic 8: Global Development and connections

a choice of either:

8A Health, Human Rights and Intervention or 8B Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

Outline of the different papers

Paper 1An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections

Section A relates to Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards

Section B relates to Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change (Glaciated landscapes and Change or coastal landscapes and Change)

Section C relates to Topic 5 and 6The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity and the carbon cycle and energy security

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions.

Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes 30% of the qualification105 marks

realise your potential

GeographyExam Board: Edexcel A Level

SIXTH FORM SUBJECT INFORMATION

Paper 2An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections

Section A relates to Topics 3 and 7: Globalisation and Superpowers.

Section B relates to Topic 4:Shaping Places. Students answer questions on either:Topic 4A: Regenerating Places orTopic 4B: Diverse Places

Section C relates to Topic 8: Global Development and Connections. Students answer questions on either:Topic 8A: Health, Human Rights and Intervention, or Topic 8B: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions.

Written examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes 30% of the qualification105 marks

Paper 3An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. Sections A, B and C all draw synoptically on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course.

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 8-mark, 18-mark and 24-mark extended writing questions.

Written examination:2 hours and 15 minutes 20% of the qualification70 marks

Paper 4An externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated. The student will produce a written report of 3000–4000 words.

Coursework: Independent investigation Non-examined assessment 20% of the qualification 70 marks

Why study geography? In its role as an integrating discipline, geography provides an ideal framework for relating other fields of knowledge. It is not surprising that those trained as geographers often contribute substantially to the applied management of resources and environments.

In short, geography is, in the broadest sense, an education for life and for living. An understanding and enthusiasm for geography, and the development of geographical knowledge, is essential for the 21st century in a world where population growth, rapid development, global environmental change, social and economic inequality, and resource depletion threaten the very planet on which we live. These problems place increasing burdens on cultural tolerance, the sustainable management of societies, natural resources including bio-diversity, and landscapes. Geographers have a key role to play in understanding and helping to solve these issues.

www.rgs.org

Geography is one of the subjects with the highest rates of graduate employability. It is highly valued by employers for its combination of knowledge, integration, and competence at training in the key skills.

Course combines well with:Biology, Business Studies, Mathematics, Geology, Leisure and Recreation, Environmental Science and supports the following range of careers:

Accountancy, cartography, civil service, environmental management and consultancy, geographical information systems, housing and property management, journalism, law, military, resource management, surveying, teaching, tourism and water companies.

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Geography