Student guide

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What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

There are no formal requirements for the GCE in Geography. However, you will benefit from
having an interest in the world around you, be it curiosity about how a landscape has
formed, or an interest in how a community might be affected by trans-national
corporations. You need to be prepared to leave the classroom and see for yourself what is
going on!

What will I learn?

The world we live in is changing. Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing.
It can enhance communication skills, literacy and numeracy, IT literacy, spatial awareness,
team working, problem solving and environmental awareness.

At AS level (year 1) you will study global themes, including globalisation and climate
change. You will discover how your own actions can relate to the wider world, be it your
local area or a country far away. You will study two units, Unit 1 and Unit 2:

• Unit 1: Global Challenges ― In this unit you will study a range of topics such as
Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges.

• Unit 2: Geographical Investigations ― This gives you an opportunity to undertake

geographical research, including fieldwork. You will investigate two topics in depth,
one of Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts (physical geography), and one of
Unequal Spaces or Rebranding Places (human geography).

At A2 level (year 2) you will learn how the world is contested and develop practical
research skills in your chosen area. You will study two units, Unit 3 and Unit 4:

• Unit 3 Contested Planet ― In this unit you will consider five key world issues and in
the sixth topic discuss possible technological solutions to the problems:
- Energy Security - Superpower Geographies
- Water Conflicts - Bridging the Development Gap
- Biodiversity Under Threat - The Technological Fix?

• Unit 4 Geographical Research ― This will allow you to develop further the
investigative skills gained at AS level and prepare you for the demands of higher
education or employment. You will choose one topic from these six options:
- Tectonic Activity and Hazards - Pollution and Human Health at Risk
- Cold Environments - Consuming the Rural Landscape
- Life on the Margins — the food supply problem
- The World of Cultural Diversity

Is this the right subject for me?

The Advanced GCE in Geography will appeal to you if:
• you are curious about the world’s places, peoples and environments
• you like asking questions and finding answers
• you are interested in local, regional and global issues
• you have the ability to think independently
• you wish to explore human, physical and environmental geographical relationships.
How will I be assessed?
AS (Year 1) – two units:

Unit 1: Global Challenges

1.5 hour written examination, including a colour Resource Booklet
Unit 2: Geographical Investigations
1 hour written examination, including a colour Resource Booklet. You will be asked about
your fieldwork skills in this examination.

Unit 1: Global Challenges Unit 2: Geographical Investigations

1 ½ hour exam 1 hour exam
30% of A Level 20% of A Level

A2 (Year 2) - two further units:

Unit 3: Contested Planet

2.5 hour written examination, including pre-released synoptic resources (4 weeks in
advance) and a colour Resource Booklet in the exam. Part 1 of the examination will cover
five of the six Unit 3 topics; Part 2 will cover the sixth topic in a synoptic context (i.e.
pulling together aspects of the other five topics).
Unit 4: Geographical Research
1.5 hour examination, including a pre-released ‘research focus’ (4 weeks in advance). You
will be asked to answer one question on the option of your choice.

Unit 3: Contested Planet Unit 4: Geographical Research

2 ½ hour exam 1 ½ hour exam
30% of A Level 20% of A Level

Fieldwork
In Year 1, Unit 2: Geographical Investigations offers the opportunity to undertake
fieldwork when investigating the topics chosen. Fieldwork can be a great experience and
allows you to apply your knowledge and understanding in a practical way.

In Year 2, Unit 4: Geographical Research also offers opportunities for fieldwork; you won’t
be asked directly about fieldwork in your exam but it may help you when discussing your
research.

What can I do after I’ve completed the course?

An A Level in Geography opens doors!

You will find that studying geography is a brilliant step towards a wider range of HE courses
and/or employment opportunities.

• Further education — geographers can go on to study higher level courses, including

Foundation degrees, undergraduate degrees and/or BTEC Higher Nationals.

• Employment — geographers can go into a wide range of jobs, including:

Advertising Marketing
Education Retailing
Environmental management Sales
Finance Social/health services
Law

Next steps!
Interested? Talk to your teacher /tutor in the first instance. They should be able to advise
you on what steps to take.