What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? As the new A Level builds on knowledge acquired at GCSE it is a requirement that you should have studied Geography or Science at GCSE in order to undertake this ALevel. Equally important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. You will benefit from having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is going on! What will I learn? The world we live in is changing and Geography aims to explore how and why. Geography is a multidisciplinary subject which draws on skills and understanding from a range of subjects. It can also enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team working, problem solving and environmental awareness. In Geography you will explore and evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues such as the consequences of globalisation and responses to hazards. The course is framed by enquiry questions that encourage an investigative and evaluative approach to learning. Geography A level integrates the assessment of geographical skills with knowledge and understanding encouraging you to make links between different geographical themes, ideas and concepts through synoptic themes embedded in the lessons. In Year 12 you will study an equal split of human and physical geography including topics comprising Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, Globalisation and Regenerating Places. In Year 13 you will study four further topics including The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security, Superpowers and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty. In addition to examinations there is also a new element to the A-Level – An Independent Investigation where you will have the opportunity to do an in-depth enquiry on any area of the course that has interested you. You will be expected to collect fieldwork data and carry out secondary research to complete a report of your findings. This coursework will require a high level of independent work but is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skill set. Is this the right subject for me? The Advanced GCE in Geography will appeal to you if • you are curious about the world’s places, peoples and environments • you like asking questions and finding answers • you are interested in local, regional and global issues • you have the ability to think and work independently • you wish to explore human, physical and environmental geographical relationships. How will I be assessed? A Level Paper 1: 2 hours and 15 minutes written examination – 30% of A Level qualification - Tectonic Processes and Hazards - Coastal Landscapes and Change (including fieldwork questions) - The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity - The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security Paper 2: 2 hours and 15 minutes written examination – 30% of A Level qualification - Globalisation - Regenerating Places (including fieldwork questions) - Superpowers - Migration, Identity and Sovereignty Paper 3: 2 hours and 15 minutes written examination – 20% of A Level qualification You will receive a resource booklet 6 weeks before your exam which will contain information on a geographical issue which will draw from different parts of the course. The exam will assess your overall understanding of three themes which will be developed throughout the course: players, attitudes and actions and futures and uncertainties. Paper 4: Independent Investigation - non-examined coursework – 20% of A level qualification You will produce a written report of 3000-4000 words. You will be expected to formulate your own question for investigation relating to any of the A Level content. You will then be given the opportunity to collect data during a fieldtrip as well as in your own time. The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing. Fieldwork All students will be required to take part in a minimum of 4 days of fieldwork for the A Level qualification. What can I do after I have completed the course? An A Level in Geography opens doors. You will find that studying geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of HE courses and/or employment opportunities. • Further education – geographers can go on to study higher level courses, including Foundation degrees, undergraduate degrees and/or BTEC Higher Nationals. • Employment – geographers can go into a wide range of jobs, including advertising, education, environmental management, finance, law, marketing, retailing, sales and social/health services. Next Steps Interested? Talk to a Geography teacher in the first instance. They should be able to advise you on what steps to take.