6th Form: GCE Advanced Geography

Course Content

AS Units

Unit 1 - Global Challenges
The World at Risk. Students will investigate a range of natural disasters and their locations, causes, effects and management. There is an in-depth study of the causes of climate change, its impacts and the strategies for dealing with it.
Going Global. Students will investigate how and why globalisation has occurred and what its consequences are. They will study population change in the UK, migration in the EU and the growth of cities worldwide. (1½ hour exam paper with some question choice).

Unit 2 - Geographical investigations
Students chose a physical and a human geography topic and use fieldwork, research and practical skills to investigate how to best manage the challenges of the 21st Century.
This is a 1 hour exam paper with two sections, requiring data response and the student's knowledge of their own research and fieldwork investigations.

A2 Units

Unit 3 - Contested Planet

Students begin by studying the use of energy resources and water conflicts around the world. The unit then develops into the impacts of differing resource consumption: biodiversity threats, the development gap, global superpowers and the role of technology.
Students are assessed via a 2 ½ hour exam paper consisting of two short essay questions and a synoptic investigation, for which students will receive pre-release materials 4 weeks prior to exam.

Unit 4 - Geographical Research

Students study one topic from a choice of six (3 physical and 3 human) and are assessed via a a 1½ hour written exam.

Career Possibilities

An Advanced Level in Geography provides a broad and balanced education and develops a number of skills. It can therefore lead onto Humanities or Science-based degree courses, as well as specialist courses in Geography and Environmental studies. The career paths of Geography students are as varied as the subject itself, and have included town and country planning, civil service, travel and tourism, business management, marketing, environmental agencies, development agencies and careers on the airlines.
 

GCSE Grade Profile

Students will normally achieve A* to C grades in a range of subjects, including Geography.