Geography A Level (Edexcel)

Course Overview (Edexcel)

Course Specification: 9GE0

The A-Level course will build on GCSE content but allows students more freedom to focus on the topics and current affairs that they are most interested in.

Fieldwork is a compulsory part of the A-Level course.

To succeed in Geography, Students must be able to interlink all the topics. The exams are based on skills, rather than on content.

Course Requirement

5 GCSEs graded 9 – 5

Maths at grade 5

English at grade 5.

Geography at grade 6

Year 1

You will complete the following topics for the examination component in Year 13:

• Area of study 1, Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
• Area of study 2, Topic 3: Globalisation
• Area of study 1, Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change & Coastal Landscapes
• Area of study 2, Topic 4: Shaping Places & Regenerating Places

In addition, you will complete your first attempt at the independent study (a 4000-word project, for which you set and answer your own hypothesis).

Year 2

You will complete the following topics for the examination component in Year 13:

• Area of study 3, Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
• Area of study 4, Topic 7: Superpowers
• Area of study 3, Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
• Area of study 4, Topic 8: Global Development and Connections & Health, Human Rights and Intervention

You will also complete a second independent study. This is submitted to Edexcel as your fieldwork investigation.

Assessment Information

There are three exams:

1. Physical geography: 2:15 minutes, 30% of the        A-Level
2. Human geography: 2:15 minutes, 30% of the         A-Level
3. Synoptic Themes: 2:15 minutes, 20% of the            A-Level

You hand in ONE 4000-word independent investigation. This is worth 20% of the A-Level.

Future Pathways

Geography is a well-respected ‘traditional’ academic discipline that enables you to use a variety of skills (literacy, numeracy, practical fieldwork, research, report writing, etc.).

Any University course, or career, linked to the environment would need geographical experience. Examples could include: transport management, meteorology, urban planning, surveying, resource management, tourism, forestry, overseas development, aid agencies, financial services and commodities. The possibilities are almost endless.

Geography will also stand you in good stead for other careers like teaching, journalism, and local / national government.