| Title/Name |
Course Title/Exam
Board, Syllabus details |
Geography
Examination Board: AQA
AS Code: 1031 A2 Code: 2031 |
| What will I learn? |
What will I gain from doing this
course
Aims/Objectives
What will I do |
This subject is the study of contemporary
geography studying the relationship of human populations to
each other over space and time and their relationship with
their environment from the local to global scale.
AS and A Level specifications
in Geography should encourage students to:
• develop and apply their understanding of geographical
concepts and processes to understand and interpret our changing
world
• develop their awareness of the complexity of interactions
within and between societies, economies, cultures and environments
at scales from local to global
• develop as global citizens who recognise the challenges
of sustainability and the implications for their own and others’
lives
• improve as critical and reflective learners aware
of the importance of attitudes and values, including their
own
• become adept in the use and application of skills
and new technologies through their geographical studies both
in and outside the classroom
• be inspired by the world around them, and gain enjoyment
and satisfaction from their geographical studies and understand
their relevance.
The specifications should reflect
new ideas and developments about the changing nature of geography
in the 21st century and its relevance for everyday life.
AS and A Level specifications in Geography should require
students to:
• develop knowledge and understanding of selected physical,
human and environmental processes that underpin key geographical
concepts
• develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts
of place, space, diversity, interdependence, people –
environment interaction, the processes associated with these,
and change over time
• study at a range of scales and understand the importance
of scale as a geographical idea
• use a range of skills and techniques, including the
use of maps and images at different scales, necessary for
geographical study
• carry out research and out-of-classroom work including
fieldwork, as appropriate to the topics selected
• use modern information technologies, including geographical
information systems, as appropriate to the content.
• develop understanding of the application and relevance
of geography.
In addition, for A2 the specification requires students to:
• undertake individual research/investigative work,
including fieldwork
• extend their understanding of geographical ideas,
concepts and processes
• identify and analyse the connections between the different
aspects of geography
• analyse and synthesise geographical information in
a variety of forms and from a range of sources
• consider new ideas and developments about the changing
nature of geography in the 21st century
• critically reflect on and evaluate the potential and
limitations of approaches and methods used both in and outside
the classroom |
| What are the entry requirements |
What is the minimum skills or qualification
level the learner needs to start this course |
Grade B or above in Geography GCSE
is required.
|
| How will I be assessed |
Method of Assessment (exam, coursework
etc.)
Course Content
Style of Teaching and Learning |
Unit 1 exam –
Structured short and extended questions; 2 hour paper (70%
of AS and 35% of A2). Candidates are required to develop the
application of a variety of geographical skills as an integral
part of Unit 1 and apply these to the content of the unit.
Unit 2 exam – Structured skills and
generic fieldwork questions (30% of AS marks 15% of A Level
marks) -1 hour
Unit 3 exam – Structured short and
extended questions and an essay (30% of total A Level marks)
– 2 hours 30 minutes.
Unit 4A exam – Structured short and extended
questions based on the candidate’s own fieldwork investigation
(20% of the total A Level marks) - 1½ hours OR Unit
4B exam – structured short and extended questions based
on the Advance Information Booklet (20% of the total A Level
marks) - 1½ hours.
Unit 1- two core topics (rivers and population),
plus two optional topics (health and cold environments).
Unit 2 - candidates are required to develop
the application of a variety of geographical skills as an
integral part of the two core topics in unit 1 and be able
to answer generic fieldwork questions based on the department
fieldtrip.
Unit 3 – four topics, two human and
two physical (development and globalisation, world cities,
tectonics and ecosystems).
Unit 4 – Geography fieldwork investigation,
based on pre-release information.
Teacher led; independent study; enquiry; discussions; group
work; fieldwork.
Learning will focus on knowledge, understanding and skills
(GIS), as well as explore synoptic links across Geography
and other related subjects (IT, Economics, Science) |
| What are the costs |
What equipment will I need (if appropriate)
Any other costs |
Basic clothing for the fieldtrip –
February 2010 (boots/waterproof jacket).
Fieldtrip – approximately £275. |
| Is there anything else I need to know |
Where will I study
What support will I receive
Where can I get further information |
Geography room or other classrooms;
library; room A; IT rooms.
Teacher support every lesson.
Please contact Mrs Whan at whan.n@we-learn.com |
| Future Opportunities |
Progression to further education, study
or work |
This specification has been chosen
as a good basis for geography or a related subject in higher
education as well as being of value to a student going directly
into employment.
Geography is a broad-based subject with links to many other
subjects. It can be studied as a single subject in higher education
whether in the field of arts or sciences depending on options
chosen by the individual. Geography can also be studied in a
great variety of combinations with other subjects. It is a subject
valued by employers for various reasons including the subject’s
emphasis on problem solving skills and analysis and synthesis
of a variety of types of data. Geography students go into a
very wide range of types of occupation for example in the areas
of planning, leisure and tourism, journalism and management. |