Geography GCE A Level

Geography GCE A Level

Qualification: AS/A2 - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
4 x GCSE B grades

Head of Department: Mr Dave Porter

Course assessment:
Please note that there is no longer any coursework in A Level Geography.
AS Geography: Two written exams in the summer of your first year.

A2 Geography: One exam in January of the second year and the final written exam in the summer.

What can this course offer me?
The new Geography A Level reflects Geography's important role in examining the big global issues such as Climate Change and the rise of new World Superpowers. You will learn about events that are in the news now.
You will develop lots of new skills that will be valuable in the job market. For example, you will learn how to investigate a problem or issue from a variety of different angles and practice important decision making.
You will be taught by genuinely enthusiastic teachers. We like to travel and explore the world too!
You may get the opportunity to get involved in a local environmental project and talk to councillors about local issues. Above all, you will appreciate that "Geography Matters"!

What will I learn?
You will build up an understanding of the role Geography can play in examining the big global challenges by studying the following topics:

AS GEOGRAPHY

• Climate Change
• Natural Disasters
• Human Pressure on Coastal Environments
• Rebranding Towns and Cities (e.g. Liverpool City of Culture)
• International Migration and World Population Change

A2 GEOGRAPHY

• The Global Development Gap
• Energy and Water Security
• New Global Superpowers (The rise of China, India and Russia)
• Conservation of Threatened Ecosytsems
• Health and Disease (e.g. Malaria)

You will also get the opportunity to develop research skills and practical data collection skills on field trips. There will be an opportunity to work with GIS applications such as Google Earth to measure rates of coastal erosion.

What Makes a good Geography student?
Good Geography students tend to be naturally curious. You should have an interest in current events and enjoy learning about people, places and the natural environment.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
You can study almost any other subject with Geography. Biology and Geology link very well with Geography and are popular options.

Future Opportunities
In 2008, 49% of our A2 students went to University to study Geography or a closely related subject (Environmental Science). Clearly, our students enjoy Geography and recognise the value of a geographical degree. Employers value graduates with Geography degrees because of the very wide range of skills and expertise students develop.

Virtually every company and institution will need to employ people to advise on Environmental Policies as well as Sustainable Development.

In recent years some of our most highly qualified students have gone on to study Law, Journalism, International Politics and Medicine at University.

Is there anything else I need to know?
Did you know that AL Gore and Richard Branson are offering a prize of $25 Million for the best idea to remove excess Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere? This is part of the Virgin Earth Challenge. These are the type of themes you will be encouraged to learn about and take part in!