Geography
Course Overview
Geography is the study of physical and human environments and how they interact together. It is delivered in the two
disciplines of Physical and Human Geography and deals with a range of current topical global issues. Geography builds on what is covered at GCSE Level and apply a range of detailed contemporary case studies to core geographical concepts. You will study the systems, patterns and processes that
happen in both urban and rural areas. The content includes studying volcanoes, earthquakes and our changing coastline. Why is Africa the poorest continent on earth? Can Liverpool ever reclaim its status as the ‘second city’ of Great Britain? How will climate change impact upon my life? Without Geography we stand little chance of answering such questions.
Examination Board:
EDQUAS
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5, but ideally a Grade 6 in Geography.
You must have the required qualifications for the Advanced Pathway.
Course Level:
A Level – Level 3
Assessment Objectives
Develop and apply your understanding of geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret the changing world.
Develop your awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economies, culture and environments at local and global scales.
Develop as global citizens who recognise the challenge of sustainability and the implications for their own and others’ lives.
Improve as critical and reflective learners aware of the importance of attitudes and values, including their own.
Become apt in the use and application of skills and technologies through your geographical studies.
Be inspired by the world around you, and gain enjoyment and satisfaction from your geographical studies.
What skills will I develop?
| Application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts | |
| The skills to become a reflective and independent learner | |
| Enhanced skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation | |
| Project management skills |
How will I be assessed?
The Eduqas course comprises of three examinations and an independent investigation. The following content is spread over the two year course. It is a linear course with all exams taken at the end of year 13.
Component 1: Written exam 1 hour 45 minutes – all questions are compulsory and vary in length from 2 – 15 marks.
Component 2: Written exam 2 hours – combination of
compulsory and optional questions, these vary in length from 2 – 20 marks.
Component 3: Written exam 2 hours 15 minutes combination of compulsory and optional questions, three in total, each is a 45 mark essay question.
Component 4: Non examination based investigation submitted in school and marked by external moderators.
Is there anything else I should know?
Field trips are an integral part of the geography department at St Mary’s. It is a vital and valuable component of the compulsory phase of every student’s school experience. Four days of fieldwork opportunities are organised to enable students to experience and test theory learnt in the classroom in a variety of contexts.
Progression Routes
Geography is highly regarded and considered a ‘facilitating subject’ for the top universities in the country, regardless of the degree that you wish to study. It provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to progress onto Law and other traditionally ‘humanities’ subjects but also for Medicine and Veterinary Science as well as Business or Management.
Previous students have gone on to study Geography at university, as either a science or in the arts faculties. Your skills of data analysis, interpretation and your ability to present logical arguments match the skills required in today’s workplace.
Geographersare highly skilled in both literacy and numeracy, and employers recognise the abilities A Level Geographers possess. A geographical background is beneficial in the following careers: Crime Intelligence Analyst, Travel Writer, Environmental Manager, Teaching and Engineering.