A Level Geography

Geography is a relevant, dynamic and wide-ranging subject, which seeks to challenge, engage and inspire you towards achieving a greater understanding of the world in which we live. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of both physical and human geographical concepts and processes, along with the necessary geographical skills to enable you to progress through to Higher Education and/or employment. Geography links extremely well with an exceptionally wide range of other disciplines in the Sciences, Arts and Humanities area.

A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used in class, for example paired/group practical work, the use of ILT as well as individual learning and activities. Fieldwork is also undertaken to provide you with 'real life' experiences of the geography concepts covered in class. You will cover a very wide range of topics across the two year course.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY: COMPONENT 1

The Physical Geography topics undertaken in Component 1 are Coastal Systems and Landscapes. This unit focuses on coasts as natural systems, the systems and processes that create and shape coasts, how varied coastal landscapes develop, and how the coast is managed sustainably.

The second physical unit covered will be Water and the Carbon Cycles This unit focuses on where water is stored in the planet and its influences on the physical landscape. Carbon cycles will also be investigated with a focus on how carbon is stored and how the stores are changing due to a variety of different factors.

The final physical unit covered is hazards. In this unit, students will focus on a variety of hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, storms, and wild fires. They will explore the origin and nature of these hazards and the various ways in which humans respond to them.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY: COMPONENT 2

The Human Geography topic taught will be contemporary urban environments which focuses on urban growth and change. There will be a focus on the challenges and issues that arise from living in these environments, in particular looking at the potential for environmental sustainability.

The second unit to be taught is global systems and global governance, which focuses on globalisation. Trade and access to markets and the governance of global commons are a few of the issues discussed in this unit.

Changing places is the final unit and focuses on people's engagement with places, their experiences of them, and the qualities they ascribe to them. There will be an in-depth study of a local place and a distant place in this unit.

A range of geographical skills will also be taught throughout the year and there will be the opportunity to stay over in Aberystwyth to conduct a variety of urban and coastal fieldwork.

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths, English Language and Geography, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices.

Physical Geography: Component 1: Assessment: Written exam (2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks, 40% of A Level)

Human Geography: Component 2: Assessment: Written Exam (2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks, 40% of A Level)

Students will be required to submit an independent geographical investigation which will be marked by the Geography Department and moderated by AQA. 60 marks, 20% of A Level

If you wish to find out more you can contact Amanda Riding, Subject Leader for Geography, by emailing amanda.riding@nscg.ac.uk

A Level Geography provides the depth and breadth of understanding you need to continue the subject in Higher Education. It also provides you with the skills, knowledge and understanding of a wide range of topics which makes geography an invaluable qualification in many careers including environmental protection and conservation; planning; surveying; retail and social research; climatology and meteorology; transport, industry and commerce; teaching and hazard management to name just a few!

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance