Geography
Exam Board - Edexcel
Course Content
Year 12 AS course
This unit poses questions which seek to explore the meaning, causes and impacts of a number of headline global issues. It gives students the opportunity to evaluate existing attempts to manage the problems they bring and challenges us to find solutions for the 21st century. Whilst its scale is global it is important that students can relate these issues to their own situations, becoming aware that they too can have a say in and play a part in meeting these Global Challenges.
There are two compulsory topics that look at some of the ‘big issues’ which face us all:
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World at Risk
This includes an introduction to a range of global natural hazards which threaten some areas of the
world more than others and then focuses on climate change and global warming, seen by many as our
greatest environmental challenge.
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Going Global
Bringing together today’s rapid economic changes which are impacting unfairly on people across the
globe, and the related international issues of population change and migration.
Geographical Investigations
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Physical Topic – Crowded Coasts reveals how increasing development is testing our ability to manage these valued environments.
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Human Topic - Rebranding Places focuses on how we need to reimage and regenerate rural and urban places, using appropriate strategies.
Year 13 A-level course
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Contested Planet
Students study broad global issues and assess ways in which they can be managed e.g.
overpopulation, energy resources and poverty.
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Geographical Research
An in-depth study of tectonic activity.
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.
Other Information
Fieldwork is an important part of geographical investigation at this level and in recent years students have had the opportunity to carry out fieldwork in Sicily, 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 B in Geography.
"Geography is a subject which holds the key to our future" - Michael Palin