Geography

Course summary

The Geography A-level is offered as a linear course, where all external examinations and coursework are undertaken in the second year. Regarding content there are four main areas studied in the first year of A-level: tectonic hazards and management; coastal landscape and change; globalisation; changing places – regenerating places. Each area of study incorporates a range of contemporary case studies drawing on both local, national and global perspectives. These units will be assessed by internal examinations comprising papers that reflect the style and content of the actual A-level papers. In addition the fieldwork component of the course is undertaken during the first year. This involves a four-day residential visit where data collection and fieldwork techniques are investigated in preparation for the individual coursework, which is a key element of the overall A-level. Year 2 The second year focuses on the water cycle and water insecurity, the carbon cycle and energy security, superpowers, health, human rights and intervention. There is a strong focus on developing synoptic links between topics. The examination papers are diverse and represent 80% of the A-Level grade. Some questions will be based on resources that need data analysis and short answers while others will require longer guided essays. In addition, there will be an individual 3,000-4,000 word coursework report (linking back to fieldwork undertaken in Year 1) which contributes 20% of the A-Level grade.