A Level Geography
A Level Geography aims to give individuals an understanding of the physical and human processes which affect people and their environment along with an understanding of the vital issues facing society such as sustainability, economic development, and cultural awareness.
The subject draws together aspects from both sciences and humanities. It develops intellectual abilities in a wide range of areas including data analysis, literacy and statistics.
Students develop skills of enquiry such as analysing, evaluating and interpreting data to reach justified conclusions. The enquiry process uses scientific, statistical, satellite, mapping and computer techniques to analyse geographical phenomena and to process data via hypotheses testing. These transferable skills are much sought after by employers.
Course Content
Modules
Examination Board: CCEA
AS level
AS 1: Physical Geography
Ecosystems, Rivers, Weather and Climate
40% of AS (16% of A level)
AS 2: Human Geography
Population, Settlement and Development
40% of AS (16% of A level)
AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques Pupils will bring a table of data and a summary of their fieldwork into the exam. This paper involves responding to data. 20% of AS (8% of A level)
A level
A2 1: Physical Processes and Human Interactions
Tectonics and Coasts
24% of A level
A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
Sustainable Settlements and Tourism
24% of A level
A2 3: Decision Making in Human Geography
Pupils will be presented with data in the form of a case study. They will make and justify a geographical decision.
12% of A level
Facilities and Resources
The Geography Department has been awarded the prestigious Secondary Geography Quality Mark numerous times reflecting UK accreditation for excellence in teaching and learning. Much use is made of ICT; pupils have a vast array of relevant notes available through Fronter, the school’s computer virtual learning environment. The Department also has access to a range of up-to-date online geographical websites and a number of new texts have been purchased for the school library which are relevant to the course. Fieldwork opportunities are an integral part of this course.
Teaching Methods
A study of Geography provides opportunities for a wide variety of teaching methods including:
- research using the internet based materials including GIS
- group work
- exam technique and model answers
- class discussions and debates
- development of independent learning
- written and geographical sources of information
Assessment Methods
Summative assessment such as trial examinations; formative assessment e.g. mid and end of topic tests, essays, assessed homework, target setting and self-assessment.