Introduction
Board: AQA
Geography is the study of the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live. Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography) and therefore equips pupils with a wide variety of skills and opens up a number of future pathways. If you are someone who is interested in investigating local and far-afield environments and the relationships that people forge with these environments to both live within and manage them, then A-level Geography is for you.
In Year 12, you will study 4 topics - 2 Human Geography and 2 Physical Geography topics. With regards the Physical Geography topics, you will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of River processes, landforms and flood events as well as studying the location of Hot Desert environments, the landforms and processes that operate in these environments and the way that people interact within these environments to survive. With regards the Human Geography topics, you will investigate Global Population trends and issues (the reasons for variations in population indicators such as birth rates, death rates, migration levels) around the world and the ways that governments are managing population issues for future prosperity. You will also look at Health Issues around the world, studying diseases of affluence and poverty and looking at ways in which governments are trying to improve the general level of health of people in their country. Both the Human Geography and Physical Geography topics will be assessed in a 2 hour examination in the Summer term. During the Easter term of Year 12, you will go on a 3-day field trip to Swanage where you will carry out a river study, a rural settlement study and you will look at coastal management of Studland Bay. The work that you carry out in Swanage and the surrounding area will go towards your preparation for the 1 hour Geographical Skills examination in the Summer.
In Year 13, again your studies will be balanced between Human Geography and Physical Geography topics. On the Physical Geography side, you will study Plate Tectonics and how governments have managed and continue to manage earthquakes and volcanic eruptions successfully. You will investigate Weather and Climate, learning about the weather of the UK and the Indian Monsoon region, as well as studying the causes, effects and responses to Global Warming. On the Human Geography side, you will learn about the different processes that operate in World Cities in richer countries and poorer countries and you will investigate the origins, expressions and Geographical impacts of contemporary conflicts (e.g. those currently going on in the Darfur region of Sudan and Iraq/Afghanistan. The above topics will be assessed in a 2 hour examination in the Summer term. In addition to this exam, you will also sit a 1 hour 30 minute Issue Evaluation exam in January of Year 13. The examination board will provide a booklet on a contemporary Geographical issue 2 months prior to the exam and you will spend a few weeks in class studying this and preparing for the exam.
A-level Geography is a vibrant course with a mix of traditional and contemporary Geography. It is a very enjoyable course and will equip you with a number of key skills that will be highly valued by universities and employers in the future.
AS and A level Geography are challenging and enjoyable courses which combine essay writing with analytical and fieldwork skills.
