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Geography

Exam Board - Edexcel

Course Content

The A-level course covers a wide range of contemporary themes and issues.  It incorporates learning about fundamental geographical processes and environments which enable students to understand the world around us today, as well as what could impact the future.
Year 12 course
There are two compulsory topics that look at some of the issues which face us all:
Dynamic Landscapes
Topic 1 - Tectonic Processes and Hazards
This includes an introduction to tectonic processes, a study of the causes of tectonic hazards, the impact of seismic activity on people, and responses to tectonic hazards.
Topic 2 - Landscape Systems, Processes and Change
This is a study of the coastal landscape system and the physical and human processes influencing change over time and space
Physical geography fieldwork
Dynamic Places
Topic 3 - Globalisation
This is a study of globalisation, its causes and consequences for different people and places
Topic 4 - Shaping Places
This is a study of Regenerating Places looking at how and why places have changed and how this impacts on people
Human geography fieldwork
Year 13 Course
This builds upon the 4 topics above and includes further topics of:
  • Physical Systems and Sustainability
The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity and The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
  • Human Systems and Geopolitics
Superpowers and Global Development and Connections
  • A-level Independent Investigation 

  Methods of Assessment

The syllabus aims to assess students on their knowledge and understanding of geographical ideas, theories and issues and on their use of a variety of skills and techniques.  Assessment within the department will be varied to include evaluation of written assignments, oral presentations, application of number, problem-solving exercises and cartographic skills.  All units are assessed through written examinations at the end of the course and an independent investigation.
In Year 13 candidates take the following units:
A Level  Examinations
Area of Study
Topic
Exam Style
Exam
Study 1
Topic 1
Tectonic Processes and
Hazards
Paper 1:
The examination may include
  • short open
  • open response
  • resource-linked questions.
The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used.
30% of the
total
Qualification
 
Duration:
2 hours and 15
minutes
105 marks
available
Study 1
Topic 2
Landscape systems and
Change – Coastal
Landscapes
Study 3
Topic 5
The Water Cycle and Water
insecurity
Study 3
Topic 6
The Carbon Cycle and
Energy Insecurity
Study 2
Topic 3
Globalisation
Paper 2:
The examination may include
  • short open
  • open response
  • resource-linked questions.
The examination includes 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used.
30% of the
total
Qualification
 
Duration:
2 hours and 15
minutes
105 marks
available
Study 2
Topic 4
Shaping Places –
Regenerating Places
Study 4
      Topic 7
      Superpowers
Study 4
Topic 8
Global Development and Connections – Health, Human Rights and Intervention
 
 
 
 
Study 1, 2,
3 and 4
Decision Making Paper taken from any of the compulsory Topics -  1, 3, 5, 6 and 7
Paper 3:
An externally-assessed written examination. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. All questions in the examination draw synoptically on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course.
The examination may include
  • short open
  • open response
  • resource-linked questions.
The examination includes 8-mark, 18-mark and 24-mark extended writing questions.
Calculators may be used.
 
20% of
the total
qualification
 
Duration: 2 hours
and 15 minutes
70 marks available
 
Study 1, 2,
3 and 4
The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification
Non-examination assessment: Independent investigation.  The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data
● The fieldwork, which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation, may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human
● The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing
● Students will be expected to show evidence that they have used both quantitative and qualitative data to support their independent investigation as appropriate to the particular environment and/or location.
20% of
the total
qualification
 
3000-4000 words
70 marks available

Other Information

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of geographical investigation at this level and in recent years' students have had the opportunity to carry out fieldwork in London and Bournemouth as well as undertaking a whole range of local investigations.
To study this course you should be interested in the world around you and in investigating issues concerning people, places and environments.  The course will encourage students to ask the questions; What?  Where?  How?  Why?

Entry requirements.

GCSE 6 in Geography.
"Geography is a subject which holds the key to our future" - Michael Palin