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A level Geography Years 12 & 13

Specification

EDEXCEL - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/geography-2016.html

Aim

For the pupil to experience hard work, intellectual stimulation, enjoyment and success, consistent with his ability.

Methods of Teaching & Learning

At A level all students will study core human and physical geography. In each area of study, students will consider their own values and attitudes to the issues being studied and support their learning of ideas through the study of specific case studies. Students will also develop a variety of geographical skills, which will broaden and deepen existing knowledge and be employed with a greater degree of independence. It is expected that the department staff will use a range of appropriate teaching skills for whole group lectures, as well as tutorial style work for individuals and small groups. Pupils will be encouraged to learn through independent work which will be structured to include ICT and practical work.  Fieldwork and research skills are a mandatory part of the course in order to be able to produce a fieldwork project and undertake an issue evaluation exercise. It is anticipated that two experienced KS5 geography teachers will be attached to each group.

Qualities and Qualifications Needed to Study Geography

To be accepted for the course the department follows the school policy of accepting six GCSEs and a minimum of a Grade 6 in Geography. Elements of the analytical part of the subject require a keen understanding of science and an ability to apply mathematics through statistics is also an advantage. The most significant attribute required is a willingness to quest individually for a wider and deeper knowledge of our world and to accept the challenges this may bring.

Why Study Geography?

Geography is a topical subject which intrudes constantly into our way of life and as such has a significant bearing on the modern world.  Current issues of both the physical and human environment are of major concern at both the world and local scale. The subject focuses on a wide range of key skills transferable both to further academic study and the world of work. The subject is readily studied alongside either science or arts subjects, and can be read at University in both disciplines, leading to a BA or BSc depending on the focus. Geography is eagerly accepted in the work place as being a sound subject providing analytical and practical skills appropriate to a range of careers.

Paper 1 – 30%

Content
  • Area of study 1 Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards.
  • Area of study 1 Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change.
  • Area of study 3 Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity.
  • Area of study 3 Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.
  • Area of study 3 Topic 7: Climate Change Futures.
Assessment

An externally assessed written examination comprising four sections and lasting 2 hours. Students answer all questions in Section A (Tectonic Processes and Hazards), Section C (The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity) and Section D (The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security). Students answer either Question 2 (Glaciated Landscapes and Change) or Question 3 (Coastal Landscapes and Change) in Section B (Glaciated Landscapes and Change and Coastal Landscapes and Change).

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 10 mark and 15 mark extended writing questions.

Paper 2 – 30%

Content
  • Area of study 2 Topic 3: Globalisation.
  • Area of study 2 Topic 4: Shaping Places.
  • Area of study 4 Topic 8: Superpowers.
  • Area of study 4 Topic 9: Global Development and Connections.
Assessment

An externally-assessed written examination comprising four sections and lasting 2 hours. Students answer all questions in Section A (Globalisation) and Section C (Superpowers). Students answer one question from Section B (Regenerating Places and Diverse Places) and one question from Section D (Health, Human Rights and Intervention; Migration, Identity and Sovereignty).

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 10-mark and 15-mark extended writing questions.

Paper 3 – 20%

The specification contains three synoptic themes within the compulsory content areas:

  • Players.
  • Attitudes and actions.
  • Futures and uncertainties.
  • The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.
Assessment

An externally assessed written examination comprising three sections and lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. Students answer all questions in Section A, Section B and Section C.

Sections A, B and C all draw synoptically on knowledge and understanding from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course. The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 6-mark, 15-mark and 18-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used.

Coursework: Independent Investigation – 20%

Content

The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification.

The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data.

The fieldwork which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human.

The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing.

Assessment

The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated. The student will produce a written report of 3000–4000 words.

Specification: EDEXCEL

The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link below:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/A%20Level/Geography/2016/specification-and-sample-assessments/Pearson-Edexcel-GCE-A-level-Geography-specification-issue-2-FINAL.pdf

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