Geography A Level

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE including English Language. It is not essential to have studied Geography at GCSE, but if taken, you must have achieved a grade 5, plus a 4 in Maths and Science.

Year One Geography

Physical Geography and People and the Environment

• Water and Carbon Cycles
• Contemporary Urban Environments

Human Geography and Geography Fieldwork Investigation

• Changing Places
• Geography Fieldwork Investigation and Geographical Skills

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of studying Geography A Level, and students find it to be very enjoyable. Students are required by the AQA exam board to do 4 days of fieldwork. We go as a group on two separate days to Beverley and Dalby to study urban heat islands and factors affecting the velocity of a stream. Considerable guidance is then given to students to allow them to perform human geography fieldwork independently.

Students undertake independent study of contrasting urban environments by visiting Harehills and Alwoodley in Leeds. This allows them to develop their independent fieldwork skills which are necessary to help them conduct their own fieldwork investigation as part of their coursework in the second year.

Year Two Geography

Physical Geography

• Water and Carbon Cycles (already covered at AS Level)
• Hot Desert Systems and Landscapes
• Hazards

Human Geography

• Global Systems and Global Governance
• Changing Places (already covered at AS Level)
• Contemporary Urban Environments (already covered at AS Level)

Geographical Investigation

This involves an individual investigation where the student produces a minimum 3,000 word report that accounts for 60 marks and 20% of the A Level. This piece of work is internally assessed and moderated by AQA.

Students produce a minimum 3,000 word report that accounts for 60 marks and 20% of the A Level. This piece of work is internally assessed and moderated by AQA.

You will typically be in College four days per week, with lesson style varying according to subject. In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps.

You will receive a variety of classwork and homework exercises throughout the course allowing you to practise the theory and skills you have learnt during the course. This will include past paper questions, enabling you to develop the technique needed to be successful in the A Level exams.

In addition to theoretical work, the science courses have a significant practical element and you will undertake a series of practical activities that allow you to develop your skills and techniques. You will be continually assessed on this element of the course, with feedback provided to allow you to improve and meet the requirements. On completion of the course you will receive your exam grade together with a Practical Endorsement, which shows that you have the skills and ability to work in a laboratory and use the equipment safely to carry out practical tasks and research.

Geography will complement both science and humanities subjects.

There are many job opportunities for students who have taken courses in Geography, and employers welcome the wide range of skills covered. Geography sits comfortably with both sciences and humanities. Past students have gone on to study physical geography, human geography, environmental management and environmental science.