Geography
Faculty: Humanities
Level: A Level (2 year linear course)
Examination Board /website: Edexcel
Course Outline:
The world we study is ever-changing, and understanding the connections between the human and physical world is increasingly important. The geography A level qualification focuses on fundamental physical and human processes and seeks to foster an understanding of what our future impact on the planet could be. The course builds on popular topics and introduces new issues such as migration, identity and sovereignty to enable students to make sense of the issues and challenges the global community faces.
Entry Criteria:
GCSE Geography (5)
Skills / Aptitudes required to be successful in this course:
Good written ability and a commitment to reading challenging but stimulating material would ensure good progress. The independent learner would excel in this course as there is a wealth of real life scenarios developing daily and reported in the media.
Assessment Details:
3 examined units at the end of year 13 and an independent investigation. Brief details shown below:
Paper 1 Dynamic Landscapes and Physical Systems |
2 hours and 15 minutes |
30% |
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Paper 2 Dynamic Places, human systems and geopolitics |
2 hours and 15 minutes |
30% |
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Paper 3 |
2 hours and 15 minutes |
20% |
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Independent Investigation*
*Please be aware that the independent investigation requires a minimum of 4 days fieldwork. The department has opted to use the support of the field studies council at their centre in South Wales. This will involve a 4-5 day residential trip for data collection and report writing. The trip will take place in the spring term of year 12 and estimated costs are £350. |
Written report of 3000-4000 words |
20% |
Pathways – Careers:
Geography is a broad academic subject which is regarded as a “facilitating subject” by Russell Group Universities.Most geography graduates are numerate, literate, good team workers, can think analytically and critically, have cultural agility, are socially and environmentally aware, and wider experience as a result of fieldwork. Geography is highly regarded by employers,74% of geography graduates earn a starting salary of more than £20,000 per year, above the overall average of 70% (RGS, 2013).
There isn’t such a thing as a ‘geography job’ but geography graduates enter a wide range of career areas and industries. Geography gives you excellent transferable skills, and acts as a very good bridge between traditional arts and sciences subject divisions. Areas of study and work that follow on well from Geography include:
Geography
Geology and Natural Sciences
Environmental Science
Environmental Managements
International Development
Anthropology
Disaster Management
Education
Governance and Social Policy
Business and Finance
Media and Politics
Complementary Subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Business, History, English, Sociology, ICT.
Useful Links:
RGS
GA
Edexcel
Course Leader
Jenny Lawy - Head of Geography
Email: LawyJ@hendonschool.co.uk
Andrew Meldrum - Head of Faculty
Email: MeldrumA@hendonschool.co.uk