A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY - AQA

Introduction

Geography remains one of the most popular courses at University. Increasingly courses are becoming more applied and therefore relevant to the world of work.

The multidisciplinary nature of Geography allows students to pursue a variety of options. Some of these may in fact form specialities at university and provide obvious career pathways. Decision-making skills are developed throughout their academic studies, enabling geographers to provide balanced opinions.

Assessment Framework

This most popular and widely accepted course offers an opportunity to explore contemporary geographical issues.

AS Units: Unit 1: Physical and Human Geography. Unit 2: Applied Geography.

The AS course involves the study of Rivers, Floods and Management. In the light of events of the Summer 2007 you could not get a more important topic. In addition we will probably opt for the Coastal Environments topic as another Physical Geography topic. On the Human side of Geography the AS course investigates Global Population Change together with a choice from Food Supply, Energy or Health Issues.

Geographical skills remain a significant part of A Level Geography. These are skills which often add to the employability of students. Fieldwork and data collection will remain a key element of A level Geography.

A2 Units: Unit 3: Contemporary Geographical Issues. Unit 4 either Geography Fieldwork Investigation or Geographical Issue Evaluation (tbc).

Unit 3 involves the study of three out of six topics with at least one from the Physical and one from the Human options. The six topics include: Plate Tectonics Hazards, Weather and Climate Hazards, Challenges Facing Ecosystems, World Cities, Development and Globalisation, Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges.

For Unit 4 there will be the opportunity to extend students’ Fieldwork Skills or a Geographical Issue Evaluation. Both options involve an examination.

For the Fieldwork Investigation students will produce a fieldwork project. However, this is not a piece of coursework. Instead they will sit an exam which will ask them to evaluate their fieldwork. Students can take their fieldwork project into the exam.

Examinations

AS:

Unit 1 : Physical and Human Geography – 2 hours (70% of the AS, 35% of total A level marks).

Unit 2 : Applied Geography – 1 hour (30% of the total AS, 15% of A level marks).

A2:

Unit 3 : Contemporary Geographical Issues – 2hours 30 minutes (30% of the total A level marks)

Unit 4 : Geographical Fieldwork or Issue Evaluation – 1 hour 30 minutes (20% of A level marks)

Description of Teaching and Learning

The nature of the AS and A level course enables a variety of teaching and learning styles. There will be the traditional approach together with opportunities for students to investigate topical events and develop their independent learning skills. With the inclusion of fieldwork at both AS and A2 then there will also be the need to include practical skills. This will involve learning outside the classroom.

Links to Future Careers

Hydrologists (specialists in understanding rivers etc.) could pursue a career with the Environment Agency addressing flood control, river pollution etc, or work for insurance companies, advising on hazard mapping and risk assessment.

Geographers are seen as versatile and dynamic. They are able to collect, assess and validate information from a variety of sources. Geographers often go on to positions in management, in either private business or the public sector.

Additional Information