Geography

EXAM SPECIFICATION: AQA 7037 https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/as-and-a-level/geography-7037

Geography is a diverse subject that provides an understanding of our changing and interconnected world. It involves the study of both physical and human environments, and the complex process of interaction that takes place between them. We investigate Geography on a range of scales, for example examining the sense of place in Birmingham but also looking at the global governance of Antarctica. Geography is valued by universities and employers alike, as it provides a context for looking at contemporary issues from a range of perspectives and develops many transferrable skills directly related to a variety of careers, including those in business, finance, eco-energy production, city planning, sustainability and law.

View the PowerPoint below to get an overview of the course. Click on the speakers for an explanation from the Head of Department, Mrs Harvey.  Click on the links - it says the file is too large but it will download!

STUDENT VIDEO: Current student, Holly Gibson, describes what it's like to study A Level Geography.

The Course

Year 12

Paper 1: Physical Geography

• Hazards
• Water and Carbon
• Coasts

Paper 2: Human Geography

• Changing places

Year 13

Paper 2: Human Geography

• Global Systems and Global Governance
• Contemporary Urban Environments
• Non- Examined Assessment NEA: Independent Investigation based on primary and secondary data collection.

Skills

• Source analysis of data
• Essay writing
• Research and independent learning
• Presentation skills
• Forming judgements based on evidence
• Critical and reflective thinking
• Use and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data
• Synoptic application of knowledge to case studies and unseen data

Examinations

All A-level exams are at the end of Year 13:

Physical Geography - written exam - 2 hours 30 minutes - 40% of A-Level

Human Geography - written exam - 2 hours 30 minutes - 40% of A-Level

Non-examined assessment [NEA] (Independent Investigation) - 3000-4000 words - 20% of A Level.

Enrichment

• Four days of fieldwork are planned at the Castlehead Field Studies Centre in The Lake District or at the impressive Dorest coastline of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (venue subject to change) to help with the skills and data collection techniques required for the successful completion of the NEA.
• There are plans to reinstate a trip to either Iceland/Hawaii.
• Student-led Geography Society

For further details, please contact Mrs Harvey , Head of Geography: tharvey@bishopstopford.com