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Blackfen School for Girls

Blackfen School for Girls

Raising aspirations - releasing potential

Geography A Level

GEOGRAPHY A LEVEL

Exam board: Edexcel

Why study this subject:

Geography is a well-regarded facilitating subject by both employers and universities due to the range of skills developed during the course, such as inquiry and analytical skills. It is one of the few subjects that cover all six key skills:  application of number, communication in the English language, information technology, improving own learning and performance, working with others, and problem solving. 

The Geography course enables students to study both human and physical landscapes with a real focus on the processes that are reshaping our world. There is also the opportunity to partake on two day field trips , one to Docklands and one to Hastings that prepare students for the Unit 2 paper.  Geography is a malleable option in that it has a lot of overlap with traditional arts and sciences as well as combining well with vocational courses, thus students are able to make links between their chosen subjects to further develop their knowledge and understanding and translate this into exam success.

Syllabus:

The course is divided into 4 areas of study; Dynamic Landscapes, Dynamic Places, Physical Systems and Sustainability and Human Systems and Geopolitics. There is also an independent coursework element to this course worth 20%. Students will be expected to attend 2 days of teacher guided data collection in the East End in the Autumn term and 2 days of teacher guided coastal data collection in the Summer term

How will I be assessed:

Paper 1 30%

Tectonic processes and hazards, Landscape systems including rivers and coasts, Water cycle and water insecurity and Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Linear Examination

Paper 2 30%

Globalisation, Shaping places and Regenerating Places, Superpowers, Global Development and Connections and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

Linear Examination

Paper 3 20 %

3 synoptic and problem solving themes connected to Players, Attitudes and actions and Futures and Uncertainty

Linear Examination

Coursework 20%

Independent project work and inquiry process on regeneration or coastal environments

Submitted coursework

Future course and possible careers:

AS and A2 geography is an asset for the following careers: financial adviser, stock broker, commodities trader, architect, cartographer, engineer, conservationist, estate agent, teacher, travel agent, environmentalist,  foreign correspondent, geologist, graphic designer,  landscaper, meteorologist. People who study Geography are also eligible for law conversion courses and many Geography graduates go on to work in the lucrative  International Law field.