AQA A-Level Geography – 7037
Course Leader: Leah Goacher – leahgoacher@kba.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
Students should achieve at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Geography and have a curiosity about people, places and global issues, together with a keen interest in exploring the world from local to international scales.
You should have a passion about the world around us, be interested in exploring contemporary geographical issues and be excited about exploring the world outside the classroom!
Minimum requirements:
- GCSE Geography Grade 6 or higher.
- GCSE Maths and Science Grade 5 or higher.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Take the opportunity to explore the complexities of the physical world, whilst also understanding the role that humans play in shaping it. You will study a range of both human and physical Geography, extending your GCSE knowledge and considering contemporary challenges.
Geography is about understanding the world around us. If your GCSE course has given you an interest in the natural environment, how it presents challenges for people and how humans have changed it, then Geography is for you. The A-Level course builds on the AQA GCSE content, but delves deeper into the building blocks of the world and the role of humans in shaping modern places.
You will learn to make connections across topics; for example, how human changes to the Carbon Cycle may be impacting on rainfall patterns, which in turn requires creative and sustainable solutions for managing water as new housing areas are constructed. You will be encouraged to develop independence and carry out your own research into a variety of places and themes.
You will get the chance to visit new locations, completing four days of compulsory fieldwork, and also choose your own geographical focus in your NEA enquiry, which is worth 20% of your grade. Geography is a facilitating subject which opens lots of new avenues to explore.
COURSE CONTENT
The course includes a range of physical and human Geography topics, exploring the relationships between people, places and the environment.
Paper 1: Physical Geography
- Water and Carbon Cycles
- Coasts
- Hazards
Paper 2: Human Geography
- Changing Places
- Global Systems and Governance
- Contemporary Urban Environments
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA): Individual Investigation
- Students choose their own geographical focus and carry out an independent investigation.
- Students develop their research, data collection, analysis and evaluation skills.
- The completed investigation is submitted during Year 13.
FIELDWORK
Fieldwork is a compulsory element of the course. You will develop skills in data collection and analysis, giving you the ability to carry out your own investigation, which is submitted during Year 13.
You will complete at least four days of fieldwork over the two years, including a residential. This provides the opportunity to explore new locations, collect geographical data and apply classroom learning to real-world environments.
ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS
- Paper 1: Physical Geography – 2 hours 30 minutes, 40%.
- Paper 2: Human Geography – 2 hours 30 minutes, 40%.
- NEA: Individual Investigation – 20%.
PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
The close link between the subject and the world around us makes for a long and varied list of related careers. Examples include working with development or aid agencies, environmental work, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), town planning, surveying, working for the Census Office, and careers in tourism and recreation.
This A-Level can lead into degrees in Geography and related joint honours courses, along with Environmental Science or International Relations. Employers and universities value Geography because it combines both arts and science, with its human and physical elements.
As we move into a more technology-based society, GIS courses are becoming increasingly popular, opening up further opportunities for Geography students.