AS & A2 COURSE OVERVIEW

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: MR P LEWIS

Course Content and Assessment

AS level can be taken in Year 12 or 13, but if taken in Year 12, can be converted to a ‘full’ A level in Year 13

Our students do well on the offered syllabus e.g. last year 85% obtained an A-C grades. 100% of the students who took the exam passed last year

Geography is a practical subject and will continue to be so

It teaches logical thinking and decision-making and so is regarded favourably by universities and industry

Geography can be regarded as a science or an art, so students specialising in Languages, for example, can say that they have kept up with a subject which uses number and scientific thinking. Pure scientists can point out their skills in essay writing

All students will have to obtain evidence of their Key Skills. Geography A level provides a wide range

Above all, it is interesting, because it deals with the changing world in which we live

The AS course

An equal balance of Physical and Human Geography tested by short answer questions.

Physical Geography - lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere.

Human Geography - rural and urban settlement (which includes many social, political and planning issues)

A practical component, partly taught by means of field trips. There is a planned residential trip to Spain which students should be able to access during the course.

The A2 course

A wide choice of options is available allowing students to make option choices based on their interests. The examinations require essay skills. There is a practical component.

Entry Requirements

It is not essential for students to have studied Geography at GCSE.