Geography is the study of the earth and its features, inhabitants, and phenomena. It is an all-encompassing discipline that foremost seeks to understand the world and all of its human and natural complexities.
Geography is the bridge between the human and physical sciences and nationally, it is one of the most studied, non-compulsory subjects as GCSE level.
Key subject aims:
· To actively engage students in the process of geography, developing them as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
· To develop a knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and an appreciation of the relevance of these concepts to our changing world
· To enable students to develop and apply their learning to the real world through fieldwork and other out-of-classroom learning
There are four units in the Edexcel Geography A qualification.
Unit 1: Geographical Skills and Challenges
You will build on your geographical skills and learn about two of the major issues facing the world today – climate change and sustainable development.
Unit 2: The Natural Environment
You will study two of the following topics:
Coastal Landscapes; River Landscapes; Glaciated Landscapes; Tectonic Landscapes.
Plus one of these topics: A Wasteful World; A Watery World.
Unit 3: The Human Environment
You will study two of the following topics:
Economic Change; Farming and the Countryside; Settlement Change; Population Change.
Plus one of these topics: A Moving World; A Tourist’s World.
Unit 4: Investigating Geography
This unit will involve going out of the centre to carry out fieldwork and then writing it up.
Assessment
Assessment is tiered with students able to choose between the Higher Tier (grades A*- D) or the Foundation Tier (grades C-G)
Unit 1: 45 minute paper. 25%
Unit 2: 45 minute paper. 25%
Unit 3: 45 minute paper. 25%
Unit 4: Moderated coursework. 25%
Progression
Provides a solid basis for progression to GCE AS and Advanced qualifications in Geography, or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Nationals in Travel and Tourism and land-based subjects.