Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, students can choose to follow the Edexcel AS and A level courses

Entry Requirements

GCSE Geography and English Language grade C or above. Standard Sixth Form requirements.

Course Structure

At AS level students will study four topics, two from Unit 1: Global challenges, and two in Unit 2: Geographical Investigations.

In their second year to gain the A level, students will study six compulsory topics from Unit 3: Contested Planet and chose one topic for Unit 4: Geographical research.

 

Unit 1: Global Challenges ‘What are the Challenges facing the world today?'

In the unit students will study two main parts. The first ‘Global Hazards' concentrates on topics such as Climate change, Hurricanes and Earthquakes. Topic 2 ‘Going Global' looks at modern topical topics including Globalisation, Urbanisation and Migration.

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations

This topic gives you an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including fieldwork. You will investigate two topics in depth, Crowded Coasts and Rebranding Places.

Unit 3: Contested Planet' What are Key issues in the world today and what are the  solutions?'

In this unit you will consider five key world issues and in the sixth topic discuss possible technological solutions to the problems: Energy Secrecy; superpower geographies, Water conflicts; bridging the development gap and biodiversity under threat.

Unit 4: Geographical Research

This will allow you to develop further the investigations skills gained at AS level and prepare you for the demands of higher education or employment.  You will choose one topic from these six options:

• Tectonic Activity and Hazards
• Pollution and Human Health At Risk
• Cold Environments
• Consuming the Rural Landscapes
• Life on the Margins - the food and supply problems
• the World of Cultural Diversity

 

Delivery

Apart from normal classes there will be a three day residential fieldwork trip to Slapton Sands (in the picture above) costing around £200. The expectation is that all students will attend as the aim of the trip is to bring the subject to life, covering many skills and case studies students need for their Unit 2 exam.  

 

Assessment

This will be covered by examination only and there is no coursework.

Exams are in the following order:

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations will be in January of the first year giving students an opportunity to resit and to begin to track their progress towards an AS or A level.

Unit 1: Global Challenges will be in June of the first year.

Unit 4: Geographical Research will be in January of their second year. This is again an early exam to give students the opportunity to resit and track their progress.

Unit 3: Contested Planet will be in June of their final year.

Careers and higher/further education

Geography is a direct step towards the complete range of higher education opportunities. Students taking geography also have a full range or key skills in which to take into employment. Careers that geographers go into can be either those directly linked to the subject like tourism and charter surveying. Or in parts of the business sector that look for the key skills this subject gives for example information technology, administration and management, the financial sector, marketing, research, and industry and manufacturing.

The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing. It can enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness, team working, problem solving and environmental awareness.

You will benefit from having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is going on!