AS/A2 Geography

Why study Geography?

Can’t decide which way to go? Already got a clear career path? Whether you’ve studied it at GCSE or not, Geography could be the right subject for you! Geography students are VERY employable. This is because they possess the skills that employers are looking for. Geography develops the ability to combine scientific principles with economic awareness, environmental concern and an appreciation and tolerance of people’s attitudes. Geography combines both the Arts and Sciences and so it goes well with all other subjects on the curriculum.

What are the entry requirements?

Geography is open to any well-motivated student with AS Level potential. Now might be a good opportunity to take up the subject again if you dropped it at the end of Year 9.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?

We follow the WJEC specification. This lends itself to studying Geography through key questions and enquiry based work with many opportunities for individual research. There is NO COURSEWORK in any Geography syllabus.

AS GEOGRAPHY

There are TWO separate units; G1 and G2.

G1 – PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Investigating Climate Change

Investigating Tectonic and Hydrological Change.

G2 – HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Investigating Population Change

Investigating Settlement Change in MEDCs

A2 GEOGRAPHY

The structure of the A2 course is a bit more complex, basically the course consists of the following topics:

• PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
• Coasts
• HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
• Development
• SUSTAINABILITY
• Food supply
• Water supply
• Energy
• Cities.

Students must also complete a single individual research topic, including fieldwork from a choice of 10 topic areas. This will be assessed as part of an examination, NOT as COURSEWORK.

AS Assessment

At AS Level students have to sit two 1 hour 30 minutes exam papers G1 and G2.

G1 is on physical topics and G2 on human. Each of the papers is worth 50% of the AS grade.

In each exam students answer three structured questions, one of which will test skills and techniques.

A2 Assessment

At A2 Level there are also two exams; G3 and G4.

G3 is 2 hours 15 minutes long, in which students have to write two essays and also answer questions based on their individual research topic. This paper is worth 60% of the second year’s marks.

G4 is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is based on material released before the exam and is worth 40% of the second year’s marks.

Does Geography link particularly well with other subjects?

Geography’s subject matter ranges right across the width of the Sciences and Humanities, which means that it combines well with a wide range of other subjects. The skills you develop during the course will help you with all your studies and are directly relevant to the world beyond education.

Where might it lead me?

Many of our students continue their studies at Higher Education. Some study Geography by itself or combine it with another subject as a Joint Honours degree. Others study a Geography related course such as Environmental Management, American Studies or Town Planning. The list is almost endless. Whatever your chosen path after A Levels, Geography will provide you with opportunities to develop those all-important key skills that are appreciated by universities and employers.

Without Geography …. you’re nowhere!