Geography

5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 including a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE Geography

This specification for the discipline of geography encourages students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject. This A Level course will enable students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Students will grow as independent thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments.

Paper 1 (Paper code: 9GE0/01)
Written examination: 2 hours
30% of the qualification
90 marks

Content overview

• Area of study 1 Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
• Area of study 1 Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change
• Area of study 3 Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
• Area of study 3 Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
• Area of study 3 Topic 7: Climate Change Futures

Paper 2 (Paper code: 9GE0/02)
Written examination: 2 hours
30% of the qualification
90 marks

Content overview

• Area of study 2 Topic 3: Globalisation
• Area of study 2 Topic 4: Shaping Places
• Area of study 4 Topic 8: Superpowers

Paper 3 (*Paper code: 9GE0/03)
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
20% of the qualification
60 marks

Content overview

The specification contains three synoptic themes within the compulsory content areas:

• Players
• Attitudes and actions
• Futures and uncertainties
• The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.

Coursework: Independent Investigation (9GE0/04)
Non-examined assessment
20% of the qualification
60 marks

Content overview

• The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification
• The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data
• The fieldwork which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human
• The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing
• Students will be expected to show evidence that they have used both quantitative and qualitative data to support their independent investigation as appropriate to the particular environment and / or location.

The subject is taught by a highly experienced subject specialist with numerous years with this specification

Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.

There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable. Whatever your passion for the world - fascination with landscapes or concerns about inequality - geography will provide you with knowledge and transferable skills that will reward you personally and advance you professionally.

Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society

All students must attend all lessons, hand in all work on time and show that they are engaged in lessons and making good progress. As this is a linear course studied over two years, students must show rigour with their note-taking and home-study, which will allow them to get excellent grades at the end of Year 13.

Students can progress from this qualification to:

• A range of different, relevant academic or vocational higher education qualifications
• Employment in a relevant sector
• Further training.

An application form can be obtained from the Head of Sixth From h.potter@samuelryderacademy.co.uk. Once your application has been processed you will be invited to discuss your subject choices with the Head of Sixth Form.