A Level Geography
Geography is an engaging, diverse and topical subject. Students will learn about both human and physical geography, applied to the most current and up to date geographical research. Skills are developed in academic research and writing, as well as applied maths and GIS. Students will have the opportunity to take part in local field trips to urban and coastal environments to apply their learning in the real world. An abroad trip is also offered to Iceland to experience glacier hiking, geothermal lagoons, geysers, waterfalls, geothermal energy and lava tube caving. Students are given the opportunity to sample life as a Geography undergraduate in a trip to Lancaster University, as well as numerous university lectures offered throughout the two-year course as well as guest speakers focusing on careers in Geography.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- LAGEOGR
- Exam Board
- Edexcel
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 3
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Course Location
- Langdale Road, Leyland
- Age Group
- School Leavers (16-18)
- Course Duration
- 2 years
- Overview
Geography is a dynamic subject and is at the forefront of understanding many of the world’s current events. It is unique in bridging the social sciences with the natural sciences and allows students to investigate the links between people and their environment on both a local and global scale.
Students examine physical topics including Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, the Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, and the Carbon Cycle and Energy Security. Human topics include Regenerating Places, Globalisation, Superpowers and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty.
80% of the course is based on 3 exams (Physical Paper, Human Paper and a Synoptic Skills Paper). 20% of the course is based on Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework). This independent investigation requires students to select a geographical topic of their choice, carry out data collection in their local area, complete data presentation and analysis using IT and GIS skills, and write up conclusions and evaluations in a written report.
Course Highlights:
Field trips to Liverpool, Cleveleys and Iceland, along with guest speakers and careers advice.
- Entry Requirements
Overall requirements for the A Level Programme at Runshaw College require a minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at Grade 5, in 5 separate national curriculum subjects (including a minimum of grade 4 in both English and Maths). It is expected that most students will study 3 subjects – the option of doing 4 subjects for students who have an average GCSE grade profile of 8 or above will be considered on an individual basis. For more information on your future career path, visit www.informedchoices.ac.uk. View all our A Level courses in detail by clicking here.
This must include a Grade 5 in Geography, and a Grade 5 in Maths or English (Language or Literature). If no Geography GCSE, a Grade 6 in Maths and English is required.
- How will I be assessed?
- 80% written examination
- 20% coursework
- Progression Pathway
Students most commonly progress to university degree courses and apprenticeships, with geography focused careers in environmental consultancy, meteorology, flood risk management, town planning, GIS specialist, environmental rangers, ecologist, hydrologist, civil service and geographical research. The skills developed through geography in academic research and writing along with applied maths also help with careers in project management, business, accounting, civil engineering, leisure and tourism, journalism, teaching, and a broad range of other related fields.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
