Geography A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Study Geography
Throughout the course you will be exploring a wide range of key issues that have a direct and very real effect on the contemporary world. You will develop your knowledge of both physical and human factors, learning how they interrelate and shape the world we live in. Lessons are centred on developing your independent research skills and encourage you to enhance higher level learning by applying your knowledge to real world challenges which include areas such as natural disaster management, climate change and global migration and many others. Your classwork learning will be supported by work in the field with visits to investigate aspects such as river flooding, urban rebranding and sustainable technological development. In the second year we run an overseas trip to explore volcanic and tectonic activity in Sicily. At the end of the course you will be able to identify the causes of the major geographical challenges that we currently face, explaining the wider impacts they could cause at both local and global levels, as well as analysing solutions for future management.
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 4 English - 4 in Maths
Exam Board: Edexcel
Course Content:
Year 1 (Dynamic Landscapes / Dynamic Places)
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Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
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Topic 2: Coastal Landscapes and Change
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Topic 3: Globalisation
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Topic 4: Regenerating Places
Year 2 (Physical Systems and Sustainability / Human Systems and Geopolitics)
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Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
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Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
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Topic 7: Superpowers
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Topic 8: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
Synoptic investigation of a contemporary geographical issue
Coursework: A level Independent Investigation / Fieldwork
Tutors will monitor your progress throughout the course using a range of internal assessment methods. These will include:
In each of these your tutor will assess your levels of understanding and advise you on areas for further development. Your final grade will be assessed and determined by external examination at the end of the two year linear course. Three 2 hour 15 min papers (Total 80%) & a fieldwork investigation coursework (Total 20%)
The Geography course will enhance your skills which will be directly transferable to a wide range of careers. These include independent research and the application of your findings in different formats such as reports and presentations. You will also develop and apply your numerical analytical skills and have the opportunity to use Geographical Information Systems software to display your findings. Geography ‘A’ level is recognized by the Russell Group and is a valuable qualification when applying for a range of degree level courses at leading Universities. Many of our students go on to attain places on Geography or related degree courses at Higher Education. A degree in Geography can lead to a wide range of career opportunities such as the management of the physical environment (river and coastal management; disaster risk management), urban planning and development, overseas aid agencies, local and national Government related work (and many more!)
"
A-level geography is a super interesting subject. It's all about exploring the Earth's landscapes, environments, and the connections between people and their surroundings, which include geo political topics, as well such as migration and superpowers.
The wide range of topics we learn gives us a huge and broad understanding of what geography is really about. Additionally, the trips, such as the overseas trip to Lanzarote, gives us an enjoyable time to explore a different country, and at the same time educates us about different landscapes and tectonic hazards, which is an important part of the course.
Overall I absolutely enjoy and recommend the course as the teachers are amazing and try their best to bring out the students’ full potential and to achieve the best possible grades."
"You may have this stereotypical view that geography is all about rocks but trust me there's more to it. Not only are the teachers very good supporters but you get to go on trips to different popular sites in London, some that are fully funded by the College. Imagine getting the opportunity to visit one of the Canary Islands for 5 days with your classmates in the hot weather or visiting the London Dungeon, exciting right? There’s also no need to stress about the actual exam content because the teachers are amazingly supportive and make sure you have the adequate materials and time to get things done."
"My teachers are great and very helpful. They help us immediately when we ask and always mark our work/ assessments. Geography has increased my knowledge of the world and even helped with my history. I hope the next year group consider taking geography as its beneficial for general knowledge and for your future as its included in many courses and jobs."
"Geography is great fun as it allows me to explore the world in ways that I did not think I would be able to. The teachers are great and passionate about the subject and this feeds off onto me. The course has also helped me do research in person by going to Valencia in Spain last year to look at the regeneration in the city and the coastal landforms."
"The lessons were always inspiring and thought provoking and all points discussed on the course were relevant to everyday lives and world events. The practical and fieldwork elements of the course were always fun and helped develop our knowledge."
"The course was well organised and supported by good materials which helped me achieve the grade I wanted to gain a place at a leading University."
Contact: Mr Alwyn Morgan (HoD): amo@stcharles.ac.uk
Mr Alwyn Morgan BA (Hons) Geography (Manchester University); PGCE (University of Wales); Institute of Export Professional Exams
Mr Adam Chalcraft BA (Hons) Geography (Liverpool University); PGCE (Brunel University); Masters Level 1 in Town and Country Planning; Current Examiner Edexel
Current Department Interests: The team’s current interests are in developing the application of Geographical Information Systems into teaching and learning activities. Team members have also gained considerable experience in the successful planning and delivery of field work investigations both in the UK and overseas and aim to enhance this learning experience further.
