Course Overview

A Level Geography is a subject that blends well with a wide range of other subjects including Humanities, Social Science and Science A Levels because of the broad range of topics studied.

The subject covers both human and physical geography which include topics such as piracy, human trafficking, climate change, plate tectonics, biodiversity, and many things in between.

You do not need to have studied geography at GCSE level, but this would be an advantage along with an interest in contemporary world issues.

Fieldwork is a vital part of this course and you will be spending at least four days in the field over the two-year course. We visit the Somerset Coast, Bristol Harbourside Redevelopment, Steart Salt Marshes, and the Quantock Hills. External speakers also attend the College to explore progression opportunities. Field trips help you develop skills such as data collection, presentation and analysis, drawing conclusions and evaluating your work. These skills are necessary to complete the coursework element of the course where you will conduct your own investigation into a topic of your choice. They are also very valuable skills for university and employment.

In conjunction with other similar subjects, we run international residential visits which have previously included trips to Italy and Iceland.

Topics may include:

• Changing coastal landscapes
• Changing places
• Tectonic hazards
• Ecosystems
• Water and carbon cycles
• Global governance: change and challenges
• China.

Over the two-year course, students will be spending at least four days in the field which will have a small transport and/or entrance fee. All students and parents/carers will be made aware of the trips in advance for payments to be made via the College online store.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through an independent fieldwork investigation, which is worth 20% of your overall A Level, as well as written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.

Your final A Level exams will be made up of three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of year two.

Progression Options

Geography leads to a wide range of degress choices / employment opportunities with the field, and is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. It has also been classified by the Russell Group of universities as one of eight facilitating subjects. These are the subjects most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses.

A Level geographers are also preferred by many employers because of the wide range of transferable skills that are acquired throughout the course.