Welcome to the Humanities Department
GEOGRAPHY
Do you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in
the environment and current affairs, a willingness to
explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your
ideas effectively?
Then choose…..
A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY
Introduction…
• The Geography course is split up into four key
units covering a wide range of topical issues from
both the physical and human environments.
• G1 and G2 are studied in Year 12 (AS Level)
• with G3 and G4 in Year 13 (Full A-Level)
• The specification recognises the vital role
Geography plays in the 21st Century and
encourages students to understand their own lives
in a global world that is constantly changing.
UNIT G1
Changing Physical Environments
• Theme 1 – Investigating Climate Change
The dynamic systems of climate change and the
strategies that are being implemented to tackle this
pressing problem.
• Theme 2 – Investigating Tectonic and
Hydrological Change
Tectonic & Hydrological Landform changes and
how people react to and manage those changes.
UNIT G2
Changing Human Environments
• Theme 1 – Investigating Population Change
An introduction to the complex themes surrounding
population change such as demography and
migration.
• Theme 2 – Investigating Settlement Change
The dynamic system of urban and rural settlement
change at all levels of structure and society in
MEDCs.
UNIT G3
Contemporary Themes and
Research in Geography
Section A – Contemporary Themes
Candidates Chose from six optional themes
One from:
1.
Extreme Environments – Desert and Tundra
2.
Landforms and their Management – either glacial or coastal
3.
Climatic Hazards
One from:
4.
Development
5.
Globalisation
6.
Emerging Asia – the Geography of either India or China
UNIT G3
Contemporary Themes and
Research in Geography
Section B – Individual Research Enquiry
This part of the specification provides an opportunity for the students to
carry out individual research and out of classroom work, including
fieldwork. This is started in the summer term of Year 12.
Candidates will select one theme to research from the following areas:
Crime, Deprivation, Disease, Environmental Psychology, Leisure and
Recreation, Microclimates, Pollution, Retailing, Rivers and Ecosystems.
The topic areas are to be researched in preparation for the assessment
task. The specific theme is given out by the WJEC one year in
advance so candidates can complete research in readiness for Section
B of the G3 Examination.
UNIT G4
Sustainability
Four themes relating to sustainability –
Water, Energy, Populations and Cities.
The unit draws attention to the complexities and management of a
sustainable planet and is split into two main sections.
Section A –
Based on set ideas shown in the resource folder which
candidates receive approximately 6 weeks before the examination.
Section B –
Based on candidates knowledge, understanding and
application from not only G4 but also the other units that
have been studies at A2 and A-Level. The section is
designed to stretch and challenge candidates.
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
• G1 – Changing Physical Environments
1 hr 30 minutes Written Paper
Three structured questions with stimulus material, one of
which tests research/fieldwork.
• G2 – Changing Human Environments
1 hr 30 minutes Written Paper
Same structure as G1.
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
• G3 – Contemporary Themes and Research in
Geography
Section A – 1hr 30 minutes
Two essays – one from each of the two contemporary themes.
Section B – 45 minutes
Candidates having designed and carried out a research
enquiry based on their chosen theme and prescribed topic
area will answer two questions about their enquiry.
• G4 – Sustainability
1 hr 45 minutes Written Paper
Pre-released material in April/May prior to the examination for
a Decision Making Exercise.
FIELD WORK & RESIDENTIAL
• 3 day Field
Geography
Course
• Exam focus
WHY GEOGRAPHY?
• Students with AS or Advanced Geography have access
to a wide range of possible careers and higher education
opportunities.
• Skills that you develop include collecting, analysing and
interpreting data, communicating your findings and
developing links between different parts of the subject.
• These skills are in great demand and Geographers are
currently amongst the most employable graduates.
• Geography can be classed as a Science or an Art. It
is still a subject, very much valued by Universities
due to its holistic development of a student.
Geography Moodle
THE FUTURE….
• Possible careers can include engineering, urban/rural
developer, surveyor, architecture, environmental
scientist, conservation, oceanographer and geology
based employment.
• The qualification can also lead to further training in such
areas as the law, accountancy, social work and
journalism.
• You may also use your Geography skills within the retail
industry, as a transport manager or economic developer.
Maybe an aid worker in Africa, civil engineer or tourist
advisor.
• Geography can lend itself to so many other subjects and
also stand on its own. It is a subject that can give you an
experience of life.
The Students View…
‘’Studying Geography has made me more aware of my
role in the world and has given me the skills needed
to be successful in the future.’’
Past Students have moved on to:
• A scholarship with Aberystwyth University to study
Geography
• Primary and Secondary Teaching specialising in
Geography
• Environment Agency
• Geography and Development Studies at University of
Chester
• Geography at Dundee University
What do others say about
Geography?
• “Geography is the subject that holds the
key to the future!”
Michael Palin
• “A top pupil applying for Medicine should
study A-Level Geography because it’s the
best preparation for the skills required in
further education and life in general.”
Glasgow University Medical Department
ANY QUESTIONS???
• Any questions please feel free to ask this
evening or arrange a time to discuss your
option choices in school.
• www.wjec.co.uk
• Interested???
• Geography is for life: lifelong, lifesustaining and life-enhancing.
.... let Geography take you there!