Exam Board

OCR

Head of Department

Leanne Gallagher

Entry Requirements

Five grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including grade 4 in Maths and English Language.

Assessment Breakdown

Students take 3 exams at the end of Year 13 and submit one piece of coursework (NEA) in the first term of Year 13. The exams are made up of a mix of short answer and essay questions. Quantitative math skills are also included in the exams, as well as qualitative image analysis and data critique.

The NEA is a 4000-word research piece completed in Year 13 on a topic of the student’s choice. Students enjoy showing their individuality and researching in greater depth about a location or current issue they find interesting. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop critical thinking and research skills which are vital for university and employment.

  • Examination: 80%
  • Coursework: 20%


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Geography

Geography A Level explores topical and important issues that underpin the world we live in today and in the future. We examine the vital issues of climate change, social inequality, environmental degradation, political conflict and natural hazards. Students enjoy a broad curriculum that builds upon issues explored at GCSE whilst also adding to their knowledge base, new topics which are more relevant to contemporary issues.

What skills will I develop?

Skills gained in the Geography A Level are vast and highly applicable to a range of careers and interests.

Evaluation and critical thinking are invaluable skills which are developed through essay writing and applying your knowledge to different environmental contexts. Students learn how to develop and evidence their point of view in a convincing manner.

Data interpretation and analysis skills are consistently practiced throughout the course, especially within the coursework unit. Fieldwork opportunities help students demonstrate practical skills of data collection and independent project work and well as evaluating critically their own project. These are vital real world skills applicable to any career path.

What topics will I Study?

The course is examined evenly between physical and human geography, highlighting the complex links between human interactions with the physical environment, how they impact each other in beneficial and alarming ways. Topics covered over the course include:

Human

  • Disease Dilemmas
  • Migration
  • Changing Places
  • Human Rights

Physical

  • Tectonic Hazards
  • Coastal landscapes
  • Earth’s Life Support Systems

The course also includes compulsory field trips that help develop practical data collection skills alongside data analysis and presentation techniques that help towards their NEA.

Where does the course lead?

Students often go on to take a degree in Geography or another related subject such as: environmental science, global development or international relations.

Competitive sponsored degree programs are now a popular choice for Geography students, with students being accepted for places in the fields of sustainability and urban design.

The course is fantastic for those seeking an apprenticeship due to practical skills demonstrated in the independent coursework piece. Geography students often go into a career within engineering and sustainability as well as economics, tourism and architecture. Previous students who have taken Geography A Level have also progressed to study veterinary science, physiotherapy and pilot training.

 

 

Exam Board

OCR

Head of Department

Leanne Gallagher

Entry Requirements

Five grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including grade 4 in Maths and English Language.

Assessment Breakdown

Students take 3 exams at the end of Year 13 and submit one piece of coursework (NEA) in the first term of Year 13. The exams are made up of a mix of short answer and essay questions. Quantitative math skills are also included in the exams, as well as qualitative image analysis and data critique.

The NEA is a 4000-word research piece completed in Year 13 on a topic of the student’s choice. Students enjoy showing their individuality and researching in greater depth about a location or current issue they find interesting. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop critical thinking and research skills which are vital for university and employment.

  • Examination: 80%
  • Coursework: 20%


APPLY Now 2024-----