A Level Geography

Name of course

A Level Geography

Examining board

AQA (7037)
Link to specification More information about the course can be found from the exam board website here

Course Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or above in Geography GCSE or GCSE English Language

Why study Geography?

 

 

Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. The Russell Group report  names geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. This is a subject most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options open to you at university.

Geography is for those interested in the world around them, and how people and the environment interact. It is suitable for those interested in the sciences and natural sciences, but who want to focus on actual places and real life situations, taking in traditional and contemporary issues. By studying Geography at A- Level, students will develop a deep understanding of the world around them and how it can change.

Why studying Geography at Seven Kings is a great idea:

  • The Geography Department run a Model United Nations conference each year with over 150 students participating from schools across Redbridge to debate real world issues such as the ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis and Global Health epidemics.
  • Students who take A Level Geography at SKS will complete a compulsory 5 days of fieldwork in the stunning Snowdonia Region of Wales.
  • Students also get the opportunity to go on an international trip to Iceland or the Bay of Naples to experience first-hand impressive tectonic environments such as Mount Vesuvius. 

Course Content

 

 

What is involved at A Level?

A Level Geography is split into three components for the AQA exam board:

Component 1- Physical Geography: This is assessed by a 2.5 hour exam that accounts for 40% of the A Level.

  • Coastal systems (what landforms and processes are found at the coast and how is it being managed)
  • Hazards (hazards in the lithosphere; volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis and in the atmosphere including hurricanes and flooding)
  • Water and carbon cycles (the key cycles which help to run the planet)

Component 2- Human Geography: This is assessed by a 2.5 hour exam that accounts for 40% of the A Level.

  • Global systems and governance (how countries develop, and how we are operating increasingly at the global scale, including TNCs)
  • Changing places (an opportunity to examine environmental and social challenges associated with urban growth and changing society)
  • Resource security (how we use resources and the impact on uneven distribution of resources)

Component 3- Geographical Investigation: This is a 3000-4000 word investigation worth 20% of the A Level.

  • Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field.
  • Students complete a 5 day field trip to the Snowdonia region of North Wales to collect data on coastal and fluvial environments.

Where could this course lead to?

 

Where can I go with A’ Level Geography?

Apart from the obvious Geography degree, it supports a wide range of other subjects including geology, medicine, sociology, politics and economics. A good Geography degree provides you with the skills to start a wide variety of jobs: from traditional geography based jobs like town planning to working in law, city, consultancy, charities, politics and more creative jobs such as marketing and PR.

Suggested Reading and resources

 
  • Students can prepare for Geography A Level by ensuring they are aware of real global issues such as climate change and development issues.
  • The Geography Review has some excellent articles which support students to subject knowledge but also exam technique and tips.
  • Students should also ensure they have researched ‘Systems Theory’ and the application of this to different environments.
  • An overview of water and carbon cycles written by the Royal Geographical Society can be found here 

Additional interesting reads:

  • ‘Guns Germs and Steel- Jared Diamond’ This is a fascinating study and seeks to answer a basic question of world history i.e. why the "west" invaded and colonised everywhere else instead of being invaded and colonised by them.
  • ‘How Did We Get Into This Mess?: Politics, Equality, Nature- George Monboit’ This is written by a leading political and environmental commentator on where we have gone wrong, and what to do about it.

What our students say about studying Geography

 

“Without Geography you are nowhere! I love learning about the physical processes of our Earth but also the interactions between cultures and identity and making solutions in the real world. That is why I will be studying it at university”

 “Studying geography, you learn about current issues that have global impact. The Model UN experience gave me the opportunity to meet an inspiration speaker who fights for equality in Syria. This has inspired me to become a volunteer and help to become a more informed global citizen”

“Geography is fundamental in understanding the complexities of our world and to appreciate how interconnected we are culturally and physically in different environments. It allows you to approach issues in a logical manner which would not have been possible without the breadth of study in A Level geography.”