Geography

Why study A-Level Geography?

Geography is relevant to the world we live in and it tackles issues that affect us. It helps us understand different cultures, develops sensitivity and tolerance, helps promote environmental responsibility and helps us make sense of a highly interconnected world. It leads to a better understanding of the concept of place and its important in our world and will help develop your ‘Geographical Intelligence’, which is your ability to link together different areas of study, to understand the concept of scale and to apply a high degree of critical analysis to what you read, hear and see.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed at the end of the two year course in two examinations. These will both be 2½ hour papers and the question types will be short answer, levels of response and extended prose. These two papers are worth 40% each.

The final element is an independent study carried out during the course which is around 3,000 – 4,000 words. This must be based on a question defined by the student relating to any part of the specification content.

entry requirements

Students will need to attain at least a Grade 5, although a 6 is strongly recommended at GCSE in Geography and at least a Grade 5 in English, Mathematics and Science, due to the nature of the A Level course which requires high level literacy and statistical skills. In addition, students will need to have an Attainment 8 average score of over 5.0. If students have not taken GCSE Geography, then an Attainment 8 average score of 7.0 or above is necessary and suitability must be discussed with the Head of Department on a case by case basis.

What skills will I gain from studying Geography?

The study of Geography will help you develop a wide variety of basic skills including communication; both written and verbal and using ICT to make presentations. Numeracy is an integral component of Geographical skills along with graphicacy (drawing and interpreting maps and diagrams). You will also collect primary data in the field, problem solve, use geographical information systems. In addition, you will collect, interpret and present a wide variety of data throughout the duration of the course.

Where can Geography lead?

As a bridge subject between the arts and the sciences, Geography can lead to a variety of different employment options, including Administrative and Public Services e.g. Development Control & Planning. Management and Journalism are also popular uses of Geography. Meteorology, Environmental or Waste Management are other potential careers utilising Geography.

Staff

The following members of staff form the Geography department at King Edwards: