AS/A2 AQA

Geography is one of those richly comprehensive subjects, whose relevance is all around us . . . More than ever we need the geographer’s skills and foresight to help us learn about our planet - how we use it and how we abuse it.’ Michael Palin

Course Outline
4 units - 2 for AS level and 2 for A2 level:

AS Level
Unit 1 - Core Concepts in Physical Geography:
Rivers, floods and management - the study of river systems and regimes.
Cold Environments - polar, alpine, glacial and periglacial; their distribution, processes, landscape, development and exploitation.  Unit 1 - Core Concepts in Human Geography:

• Global Population Change - Population Indicators, change, migration and structure. Social, economic and political implications of population change.
• Health Issues - global patterns of health; health in world affairs.  Food and Health. Factors affecting regional variations in the UK.

Unit 2 - Applied Geography Skill include - basic; investigative; ICT; graphical; cartographic; statistical.

AS Exams

• Unit 1 Physical and Human Geography - 2hrs; 70% of total AS marks
• Unit 2 Skills and Fieldwork - 1hr.;  30% of total AS Marks

A Level

• Unit 3 - Contemporary Geographical Issues (3 of 4)
• Plate Tectonics and associated hazards -  volcanic activity and earthquakes. The management of hazards and responses to the events.
• Weather, climate and associated hazards - major climate controls; climate of the UK and one tropical region; Hurricanes; Urban climates. Global climate change.
• World Cities - Contemporary urban processes, Urban Decline and regeneration, Retailing and services, Issues in Urban Areas.
• Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges - Nature and origin of conflict; local resources; international conflicts; Multicultural UK; Separatism; global poverty

Unit 4 - Geography Fieldwork Investigation or Exam assessed.

A2 Exams

• Unit 3 - Contemporary Geographical Issues - 2.5hrs, 30% of A2 marks
• Unit 4 - Fieldwork Investigation/ Issue Evaluation: 1.5hrs, 20% of A2 marks

Preferred Entry Requirements
GCSE grade C or above in Mathematics and English. Geography is an advantage, but not essential.*

*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department.