The Geography A level course is linear, meaning that students who start the course in year 12 will not be sitting the AS exams at the end of the first year of the course and are expected to continue to sit the exams at the end of year 13. The course is designed to make students more aware of their position as global citizens and to give all students a wide knowledge of current global environmental, geopolitical, social and demographic issues. In order to be successful students will need to be interested in current geographical issues and will need to build their own portfolios of knowledge about current events around the world. Students will also be required to be independent in their learning; most importantly when it comes to completing their 4000 word independent coursework investigation for which they will have to create their own investigation title, devise their own investigation methodology and then analyse and interpret their findings in order to draw conclusions independently. Geography students will also be required to be able to use a range of statistical, graphical and interpretive skills so an enjoyment of maths is beneficial for students. Paper 1 (30%): Section A: Tectonic processes and hazards Section B: Landscape systems, processes and change (glaciers OR coasts) Section C: The water cycle and water insecurity Section D: The carbon cycle and energy security Paper 2 (30%): Section A: Globalisation Section B: Regenerating places and diverse places Section C: Superpowers Section D: Health, human rights and intervention; migration, Identity and sovereignty Paper 3 (20%): Synoptic examination on geographical issues based on a pre-release document. Paper 4 (20%): Teacher assessed independent investigation – 4000 words