A Level Geography

 

To study this course you should have an interest in understanding the interactions between the physical and human world in which you live. Geography allows you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a competent and informed member of society along with the ability to make reasoned decisions about issues and events which are affecting different parts of the world on a daily basis. The skills you acquire in Geography such as research, from secondary sources and through fieldwork enquiry, analysing and presenting your findings and solving problems are highly valued and sought after by both Universities and Employers. If you find you are often asking Where, Why, When, Who, What and How Questions to present day issues then you are thinking like a Geographer and the subject is one which you will enjoy. Geography compliments most subject areas and has transferable skills that will support your study in your other sixth form courses.

 

AS Units

 

Unit 1 – Global Challenges

a)     World at Risk

b)    Going Global

In the World at Risk you will examine the trends, cause and impacts of a range of Global Hazards from tectonic (earthquakes & volcanoes) to Climate Change. You will also investigate the challenges they pose to different societies and how best to manage them.

Going Global investigates the changes in the world today from different Global Groupings, Global Networks and Changing Cities due to Migration and Development along with the challenges they cause for the future.

 

Unit 2 – Geographical Investigations

a)     Extreme Weather

b)    Rebranding Places

Extreme Weather is of course very topical to our world today and we will be investigating the impacts of meteorological events such as flooding, snow & ice storms and hurricanes on society.

Our urban & rural areas are constantly undergoing change and Rebranding Places looks at the many schemes implemented to make these changes for the benefit of all. Both aspects of the unit will involve practical fieldwork in Sheffield and the Peak District.

A2 Units

 

Unit 3 – Contested Planet

a)     Energy Security

b)    Water Conflicts

c)     Biodiversity under Threat

d)    Superpower Geographies

e)     Bridging the Development Gap

f)      The Technological Fix

Contested Planet -- Synoptic themes & links.

Focuses on the distribution and use of resources – energy, water and biodiversity. It considers the range of threats these resources face as humans deplete them as well as considering how humans might manage them to ensure future survival. The unit also contrasts the power and wealth of the supremos with the state of the poor and hungry on the other side of the development gap. The unit also considers the role of technology in addressing geographical challenges.

 

Unit 4 – Geographical Research

a)     Pollution and human health at risk.

This unit will identify the many Health Risks facing the world today. As we are becoming a more multi-cultural society and travel across the globe in search of work, a better lifestyle, or simply for pleasure then we come into contact with diseases that we have never before faced. This unit is designed to help you understand the causes of these health risks and how we can best manage them in order to improve health on a global scale.

 

Assessment details

 

Unit 1

Global Challenges

60% June Exam (1h.30m)

Unit 2

Geographical Investigations

40% January Exam  (1h.15m)

Fieldwork

Derbyshire

October

Assessment details

 

Unit 3

Contested Planet

60% June Exam. (2h.30m)

Unit 4

Pollution & Health

40% January Exam (1h.30m)

 

Progression

The A Level Geography course is an ideal pre requisite for studying the subject at University as well as providing a good base for many other subjects including Law & Medicine. The skills developed throughout the course are highly sought after by universities and employers.

 

Exam board

Edexcel