Exam Board: AQA
Why Geography?
Geography helps us to explore and understand space and place - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and exploring the links between them. Geography also provides an ideal framework for connecting and bringing together other fields of knowledge.
Geography is, in the broadest sense, an education for life and for living. Learning through geography – whether gained through formal learning or experientially through travel, fieldwork and expeditions – helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed, and more responsible as citizens and employees.
Employers and universities see geography as a robust academic subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. As a subject linking the arts and the sciences it is highly flexible in terms of what you can combine it with at A Level.
What can I expect?
Over the course of two years, A-Level geographers will study a range of topics and develop a way of thinking that will enable to make the kind of informed and critical decisions demanded of 21st century citizens. An essential outcome of learning Geography is to be able to apply geographical knowledge and conceptual understanding to new settings: that is, to be able to ‘think like a geographer’. Thinking geographically is a uniquely powerful way of seeing the world and making connections between the human and physical environment.
In physical geography students will learn about the processes shaping our planet and the landforms within dynamic landscapes that result. They will examine earth’s life support systems – how water and carbon are cycled through the land, oceans and atmosphere. They will investigate how coastal landscapes are part of a dynamic system, and attend an exciting trip to the English coast. The third of the physical geography topics uses GIS and current case studies to assess our worlds’ many hazards, including earthquakes, storms and wildfires. Students will make interconnections with human geography through studying the management of those hazards in a variety of locations of differing wealth.
In human geography students will explore the relationships and connections between people, the economy, and society and how these contribute to creating places. They will look at global systems, including those that regulate and order trade, financial transactions and migration, which produce uneven geographies of winners and losers. Students will also study contemporary urban environments, investigating the socio-economic and environmental issues of rapidly urbanising areas. Engaging with these themes in a range of urban settings from contrasting areas of the world affords the opportunity for students to appreciate human diversity and develop awareness and insight into profound questions of opportunity, equity and sustainability.
Students are required to undertake an independent investigation (NEA). This must incorporate a significant element of fieldwork. The fieldwork undertaken as part of the individual investigation may be based on either human or physical aspects of geography, or a combination of both. They may incorporate field data and/or evidence from field investigations collected individually or in groups. What is important is that students work on their own on contextualising, analysing and reporting of their work to produce an independent investigation with an individual title that demonstrates required fieldwork knowledge, skills and understanding.
What enrichment opportunities will be offered?
Students can participate in a variety of experiences, including two fieldwork opportunities, which have previously visited parts of England’s coast and the Peak District.
AQA A Level Geography will be assessed through two examinations and an extended piece of coursework called an Non Exam Assessment (NEA). These examinations will require you to analyse a wide range of geographical data, and also give you the opportunity to engage with contemporary geographical issues through writing extended essays expressing your own opinions and creating connections between the topics you have studied. You will be awarded one overall grade at the end of the course.
Our entry requirement is a GCSE English and Geography grade of 6 or above.