Entry requirements: Minimum entry requirements and GCSE grade 6 in Geography and grade 6 English. The content at A-level builds on core knowledge learned at GCSE. Course content: The AQA specification enables students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Students will grow as independent, critical thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments. The two-year course covers content in Physical and Human Geography. The Physical Geography covers a systems approach to examine concepts and processes affecting the physical world from hazards, to coastal environments to the interconnected water and carbon cycles; developing knowledge of places and environments. In Human Geography, students learn about how the world has become increasingly connected through globalisation and the implications of this approach, develop a sense of place and the importance of resource security, amongst other things. The final aspect of the course is a piece of Non-Examination Assessment which is similar to a piece of coursework. Students are required to independently investigate an issue of their choice, carry out fieldwork and research then ultimately evaluate the idea drawing on wider knowledge and understanding from across the course. Fieldwork is compulsory and vital to the Geography A-Level. Students will participate in 4-days of fieldwork which bring to life a variety of aspects of the course including a residential trip to Dorset to explore the dynamically changing coastal landscape, discovering the impact of globalisation on St Albans, and investigating the changing sense of place in North London as a result of the regeneration at Kings Cross and Granary Square as well as gaining a sense of place in Camden. We hope to introduce an overseas enrichment trip too. Assessment: The course has 2 exams and 1 piece of coursework which is called the Non-Examination Assessment. Exam: Paper 1: Physical Geography Duration: 2h 30mins 40% of the qualification 120 marks Topic overview • Section A: Water and Carbon Cycle • Section B: Coastal Systems and Landscapes • Section C: Hazards Exam: Paper 2: Human Geography Duration: 2h 30mins 40% of the qualification 120 marks Topic overview • Section A: Global Systems and Global Governance • Section B: Changing Places • Section C: Population and the Environment Geographical fieldwork investigation Non-Examination Assessment 20% of the qualification 60 marks Why Geography A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy? Geography is a highly sought-after subject. Here are just some of the reasons why students should study A-Level Geography at Samuel Ryder Academy. • We consistently have a large uptake of students across both year 12 and year 13 • Our team is highly experienced, including those with specialisms covering many teaching years in this specification • We achieved excellent results in recent years, with students leaving Samuel Ryder Academy to continuing their further education. Each year a number of our students go on to study Geography or related courses at university. • The subject allows you to develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills, and ability to analyse data thoroughly. These are all skills which all career pathways require in the current climate • A-Level Geography links to all other A-Level and BTEC subjects on offer at Samuel Ryder, whether it be knowledge and understanding or ability to use data on computer programmes or analysing resources effectively • Fieldwork opportunities are numerous in Geography A-Level. Expectations of students: All students must attend all lessons, hand in all work on time and show that they are engaged in lessons. This is a linear course studied over two years, students must show rigour with their note-taking and home-study, which will allow them to get excellent grades at the end of year 13. Students need to develop their ability to be independent learners, in particularly in the delivery of their NEA and need to have a passion for the subject that inspires them to read around the topics and subject in their own time. Career paths: Geography students and graduates are the most employable post study. All avenues of employment are open for Geography students. Many find work in business, finance and human resources and many journey into marketing, public relations and sales. More geographers are now venturing into education, engineering and building. Other sectors include town planners, architects, journalism and working with charities, to name a few. Due to the Geographer’s ability to problem solve and critically think, we are a highly sought-after subject.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Drakes Drive, St Albans, AL1 5AR |
Entry requirements: Minimum entry requirements and GCSE grade 6 in Geography and grade 6 English. The content at A-level builds on core knowledge learned at GCSE. Course content: The AQA specification enables students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Students will grow as independent, critical thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments. The two-year course covers content in Physical and Human Geography. The Physical Geography covers a systems approach to examine concepts and processes affecting the physical world from hazards, to coastal environments to the interconnected water and carbon cycles; developing knowledge of places and environments. In Human Geography, students learn about how the world has become increasingly connected through globalisation and the implications of this approach, develop a sense of place and the importance of resource security, amongst other things. The final aspect of the course is a piece of Non-Examination Assessment which is similar to a piece of coursework. Students are required to independently investigate an issue of their choice, carry out fieldwork and research then ultimately evaluate the idea drawing on wider knowledge and understanding from across the course. Fieldwork is compulsory and vital to the Geography A-Level. Students will participate in 4-days of fieldwork which bring to life a variety of aspects of the course including a residential trip to Dorset to explore the dynamically changing coastal landscape, discovering the impact of globalisation on St Albans, and investigating the changing sense of place in North London as a result of the regeneration at Kings Cross and Granary Square as well as gaining a sense of place in Camden. We hope to introduce an overseas enrichment trip too. Assessment: The course has 2 exams and 1 piece of coursework which is called the Non-Examination Assessment. Exam: Paper 1: Physical Geography Duration: 2h 30mins 40% of the qualification 120 marks Topic overview • Section A: Water and Carbon Cycle • Section B: Coastal Systems and Landscapes • Section C: Hazards Exam: Paper 2: Human Geography Duration: 2h 30mins 40% of the qualification 120 marks Topic overview • Section A: Global Systems and Global Governance • Section B: Changing Places • Section C: Population and the Environment Geographical fieldwork investigation Non-Examination Assessment 20% of the qualification 60 marks Why Geography A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy? Geography is a highly sought-after subject. Here are just some of the reasons why students should study A-Level Geography at Samuel Ryder Academy. • We consistently have a large uptake of students across both year 12 and year 13 • Our team is highly experienced, including those with specialisms covering many teaching years in this specification • We achieved excellent results in recent years, with students leaving Samuel Ryder Academy to continuing their further education. Each year a number of our students go on to study Geography or related courses at university. • The subject allows you to develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills, and ability to analyse data thoroughly. These are all skills which all career pathways require in the current climate • A-Level Geography links to all other A-Level and BTEC subjects on offer at Samuel Ryder, whether it be knowledge and understanding or ability to use data on computer programmes or analysing resources effectively • Fieldwork opportunities are numerous in Geography A-Level. Expectations of students: All students must attend all lessons, hand in all work on time and show that they are engaged in lessons. This is a linear course studied over two years, students must show rigour with their note-taking and home-study, which will allow them to get excellent grades at the end of year 13. Students need to develop their ability to be independent learners, in particularly in the delivery of their NEA and need to have a passion for the subject that inspires them to read around the topics and subject in their own time. Career paths: Geography students and graduates are the most employable post study. All avenues of employment are open for Geography students. Many find work in business, finance and human resources and many journey into marketing, public relations and sales. More geographers are now venturing into education, engineering and building. Other sectors include town planners, architects, journalism and working with charities, to name a few. Due to the Geographer’s ability to problem solve and critically think, we are a highly sought-after subject.