Page 30 - Seaford Sixth Form Options 2024 Entry

Geography A Level (AQA)
Head of Department:
Mr J Kimber
Teaching Staff:
Mr J Kimber Mr J Hart
Mr J Follows Mr D Willcox Mr G Mitchell Mr K Doherty
Course Content
Component 1: Physical Geography
What’s assessed:
Section A: Water and carbon cycles
Section B: either Hot desert systems and landscapes
or Coastal systems and landscapes or Glacial systems and landscapes
Section C: either Hazards or Ecosystems under stress
How it’s assessed:
• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 120 marks
• 40% of A Level Component
2: Human Geography
What’s assessed:
Section A: Global systems and global governance
Section B: Changing places
Section C: either Contemporary urban environments
or Population and the environment or Resource security
How it’s assessed:
• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 120marks
• 40%ofALevelComponent
Overview
Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice, and combines well with both arts and science subjects. It can be a facilitating subject – that is a subject most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses. Choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options open at the university level; Geography opens doors to other degrees such as business and administrative studies, law, engineering and technology and the other social physical sciences.
3: Geography fieldwork investigation
What’s assessed:
Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field.
The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.
How it’s assessed:
• 3,000–4,000words • 60marks
• 20%ofALevel
• markedbyteachers • moderatedbyAQA
Students are expected to undertake a compuslory week of fieldwork in the Lake District (subject to availability). This
trip is compulsory and has an approximate cost of £400-500 TBC.
Expectations
Commitment and initiative are expected from students throughout. There is an emphasis on research and individual investigation work. Students are expected to produce written work on a regular basis. Essay writing skills are particularly important.
Future Pathway
Geography is a broad-based subject which provides lots
of opportunities for future progression. For example, Geography is an obvious choice for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change. If you
are working towards a future course in medicine or veterinary medicine then Geography is
a good choice to give your A Level options the breadth that universities seek, as you will gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems as well as enhancing your skills of writing essays and extended reports.
Key Skills
Map skills, fieldwork,
essay writing, analysis and presentation skills are required and developed throughout. IT proficiency and self-directed study are key skills for Geography. You will also be undertaking a 4000 word assignment (NEA coursework) so the ability to work independently and carrying out research and fieldwork on your own is essential.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Grade 6 Geography at GCSE is recommended with a 6-6 in Science.
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