Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13)

In year’s 12 and 13 study the Edexcel ‘A’ level syllabus.  This includes study of Climate change and Global Hazards as well as issues of Urban and Rural settlement and Globalisation.  The fieldtrip to Devon in Year 12 allows students to gain the skills and understanding needed to carry out investigations in the field.  Unlike GCSE there is no formal coursework to complete and fieldwork is examined as part of the written exam.

In Year 13 the A2 course includes research for an Essay topic on hazards and a study of 6 issues which feed into the synoptic assessment. 

Geography (AS and A2)

Geography Specification overview
The course will be assessed by examination only.
AS
Unit 1: Global Challenges

Two compulsory topics:	One exam:
World at Risk	1 hour
Going Global	60% of AS marks

This unit focuses on the meaning, causes, impacts and management of global challenges and how we can influence global challenges through our own lives.

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations

Choose two topics from four:	One exam:
Physical Topics: Extreme Weather OR Crowded Coasts	1 hour
Human Topics: Unequal Spaces OR Rebranding Places	40% of AS marks

This unit focuses on fieldwork and related research, Geographical investigation is an important part of the GCE specification.  In the examination, students will be required to show their skills in the planning, collection and analysis of information, as well as concluding and evaluating fieldwork and research findings. 

A2
Unit 3: Contested Planet

Six Compulsory topics:	One exam:
Energy Security	2 hours 30mins
Water Conflicts	60% of A2 marks
Biodiversity Under Threat
Superpower Geographies
Bridging the Development Gap
The Technological Fix

Contested Planet, forms the core of A2 Geography.  The unit aims to introduce students to key contemporary global issues, and to allow them to explore the significance of the issues and examine a range of potential solutions to them.

Unit 4: Geographical Research

Choose one topic from six:	One exam:
Tectonic Activity and Hazards	1 hour 30mins
Cold Environments	40% of A2 marks
Life on the Margins: the food supply problem
The World of Cultural Diversity
Pollution and Human Health at Risk

Research skills and fieldwork are the key features of this A2 unit.  Topics range from those with a strong physical geography focus, to those concerned more with environmental, social and cultural geographies.  Students then research their chosen topic. Students then write one extended essay about research carried out for their chosen topic, in an exam.

Entry requirements 5 GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE English. You do not need to have studied Geography at GCSE in order to take an AS Level or A Level in the subject. (e.g. Zoe last year achieved an ‘A’ grade without doing GCSE Geography.)

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