Geography
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Geography
A Level Geography enables you to engage critically with real world issues and places, apply your own geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to make sense of the world around you. The specification offers an issues-based approach, enabling you to evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grade 5 in GCSE Geography or Grade 5 in either English Literature or Language and a grade 4 in Mathematics.
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Prepare to read around the subject in newspapers, books, journals and internet articles - having an interest in current affairs will inform a lot of in-class discussion.
- You will need to have an enquiring mind - be prepared to debate a range of issues (social, political, economic and environmental) from different perspectives.
- You will learn about a range of case studies in detail - you will need to be able to apply theory to real-world examples. Fieldwork is a compulsory part of the A Level course and you will be expected to complete your own independent investigation from this.
UNITS STUDIED
- Dynamic Landscapes (Tectonics and Coasts)
- Dynamic Places (Globalisation and Regeneration)
- Physical Systems (Water Cycle and Carbon Cycle)
- Human Systems (Superpowers and Health, Human Rights and Intervention)
- Independent Investigation (NEA)
HOW IT IS ASSESSED
There are three externally-examined papers at the end of year 13 (80% of your grade).
- Paper 1: Dynamic Landscapes; Physical Systems and Sustainability (2 hours 15).
- Paper 2: Dynamic Places; Human Systems and Geopolitics (2 hours 15).
- Paper 3: Synoptic (2 hours 15).
- Non examined assessment (20% of A Level).
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Examining big issues at a variety of scales and from different perspectives.
- Collect, understand, interpret and communicate complex data.
- Subject knowledge relevant to many challenges facing society and the environment today.
PROGRESSION
Geography is a highly respected academic A Level and complements future studies in both arts and science subjects at university. The transferable knowledge and skills developed by studying geography are actively sought out by employers.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?
Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future
Michael Palin
A Level Geography enables you to engage critically with real world issues and places, apply your own geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to make sense of the world around you. The specification offers an issues-based approach, enabling you to evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues.