Geography is a diverse subject that provides an understanding of our changing and interconnected world.

It involves the study of both physical and human environments, and the complex process of interaction that takes place between them. We study Geography on a range of scales, i.e. a sense of place in Birmingham to the global governance of Antarctica. Geography is valued by universities and employers alike, as it provides a context for looking at contemporary issues from a range of perspectives and develops many transferrable skills directly related to a variety of careers, including those in business, finance, eco-energy production, city planning, sustainability and law.

Specification: AQA A Level Geography 7037

Year 12

Paper 1: Physical Geography

• Hazards
• Water and Carbon

Paper 2: Human Geography

• Changing places
• Global Systems and Global Governance

Year 13

Paper 1: Physical Geography

• Coasts

Paper 2: Human Geography

• Contemporary Urban Environments
• NEA (non-examined assessment): Independent Investigation based on primary and secondary data collection.

What do I need to know?

• It embeds and extends the skills learnt at GCSE.
• It is preferable to have studied GCSE Geography prior to A level ude to the complexity of the concepts and depth of knowledge required.
• It does involve fieldwork - this is a compulsory element of the course (4 days).
• It does involve written coursework which is completed on an individual basis.
• There are two written exam papers at the end of Year 13.

The course is suitable for you if you:

• have an inquiring mind;
• have an interest in, and concern for, the environment;
• have an interest in current affairs;
• like to ask challenging questions about the world in which we live in;
• want to participate in practical outdoor fieldwork;
• want to broaden your Sixth Form choices to include both ‘Science’ and ‘Humanities’ subjects.

Skills

• Essay writing
• Source analysis of data
• Presentation skills
• Research and independent learning
• Forming judgements based on evidence
• Critical and reflective thinking
• Use and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data
• Synoptic application of knowledge to case studies and unseen data

Enrichment

Four days of fieldwork are planned at the Castlehead Field Studies Centre in The Lake District (venue subject to change) to help with the skills and data collection techniques required for the successful completion of the NEA.

The KS5 Geography Curriculum Plans for 2024-25 can be found at the bottom of the page.

For further details, please contact Mrs Harvey, Head of Geography.