The Advanced Level Geography course contains four modules.
AS Geography (Lower Sixth)
The AS includes:
Unit 1 – Physical and Human Geography (35% of total marks):
- Rivers, Floods and Management,
- Population Change,
- Cold Environments (glaciation) and
- Health Issues.
The Cold Environments module includes a weekend residential fieldtrip to Langdale in the Lake District, which is usually in the first weekend of October in the Lower Sixth. We study the glaciation of the valley and its influence on the present day landscape. This is a great chance for integrating any new students to the Sixth Form – there is nothing quite as bonding as the climb to Stickle Tarn!
At the beginning of the Easter holiday, there is a five day residential fieldtrip to the Cranedale Centre in North Yorkshire. This supports many sections of the syllabus. Research is conducted on rivers, sampling techniques, glacial drainage diversions and deposition, the causes of flooding and its management and urban heat islands. Students gain ideas for possible fieldwork investigations which will be carried out at A2.
Unit 2 – Geographical skills (15% of total marks) based on fieldwork conducted during Lower Sixth and interpretation of data which will be practised throughout the course.
The AS provides a useful introduction to the full A level, but it is an interesting and valuable course in its own right. We welcome girls intending to take AS only, but many then continue to A2!
A2 Geography (Upper Sixth)
Unit 3 – Contemporary Geographical Issues (30% total marks):
- Plate Tectonics and Associated Hazards,
- World Cities and
- one from Weather and Climate and Associated Hazards, or Ecosystems.
We have consulted our current U6 and L6 about the new syllabus and discussed which options they would have chosen if they had been given the chance. Their advice has guided our choice of options.
Unit 4 – Geography Fieldwork Investigation (20% of total marks). Students will complete a Geographical coursework investigation which will be examined in the second A2 paper. The coursework itself is not submitted for assessment. The choice of topic is up to them (although guidance is obviously provided) and this gives the students a chance to concentrate on an area of Geography that interests them. |
