Geography

GEOGRAPHY
AS and A2 LEVEL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A new syllabus and specification for AS and A2 will be introduced from September 2008.  Staff are giving careful consideration to choosing the Examination Board at the present time and on the basis of the information gained at examination launch meetings and from sample specifications so far, the choice is likely to continue with the AQA Board.

If students have studied GCSE Geography a ‘B’ grade is usually required.  However, students who have not studied Geography will also be considered if they have enthusiasm for the subject and can offer a good range of GCSEs.  Do discuss the situation with the teaching staff.

AIMS

The syllabus emphasises the study of geographical change through developing an understanding of the nature and interaction of human and physical processes. Geographical change will be studied from local to global scale. A range of skills should be developed including enquiry skills, problem solving and decision making. An appreciation should be developed of the ways in which geography can aid understanding of contemporary issues.  Environmental awareness and sustainable development are key areas.

ASSIGNMENTS

• Extra reading around the subject and individual research into topics is essential.
• Written tasks are regularly set building to essay writing and answering examination questions.
• Fieldwork presentation and analysis.

CONTENTS

AS contains 2 units of examinations:

Unit 1 - CORE PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY - Rivers, floods and their management and one physical option.
          - CORE HUMAN GEOGRAPHY - Global Population Change and one human option

Unit 2 - APPLIED GEOGRAPHY - Candidates will apply their knowledge and skills to unseen information/resources and with reference to fieldwork.

A2 contains 2 units of examinations:

Unit 3 - CONTEMPORARY GEOGRAPHICAL ISSUES - It contains the study of three sections of at least one from the three Physical options and at least one from the three Human options including, for example, Plate Tectonics and associated hazards and World cities.

Unit 4B - GEOGRAPHICAL ISSUE EVALUATION – This demands the development of a range of geographical skills, knowledge and understanding, for example, considering an issue from both points of view and using techniques to analyse and present data.

FIELDWORK

Fieldwork investigations are an integral part of geography. Therefore studies are conducted to enhance the curriculum and provide data for examination use - possible venues for study include the Yorkshire Dales, Manchester and the Lake District.

ASSESSMENT

AS examinations are taken in June of the first year.

A2 examinations are taken in January and June of the second year.

USEFULNESS IN THE FUTURE

Application of Geography offers a range of career opportunities e.g. Management Services, Environmental Planning, Surveying, Cartography, Town and Country Planning, Administration, Research, Travel and Tourism, Information Industries, Education etc. Geography equips students with many transferrable skills which could be applied in many areas of work or study

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