The study of Geography at A2 seeks to promote and understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live. To achieve this and understanding of the processes of the Physical and Human Environment and their interaction is developed.
Geographical education promotes environmental awareness at global, regional and local levels. This is achieved through a variety of teaching and learning styles including individual research, group studies, fieldwork and the use of information technology including the Internet.
The Structure of the A2 Specification
Like all the new A2 Geography has a modular structure. Students will be assessed on the three modules contributing to AS in the summer of their S3 year and on the three modules for A2 in the summer of S4. There are no modular examinations in January and there is only one option to resit any module. The A Level (AL) is awarded on the combined marks from the AS and A2 assessments.
The AS Unit of Assessment
Module 1: Themes in Physical Geography
This module requires the study of processes and features in fluvial environments, ecosystems and the atmosphere. The module also requires study of the influence of natural processes on people and the environment.
Module 2: Themes in Human Geography
This module requires the study of population, settlements and development including the processes associated with these areas of the subjects and their consequences for people and the natural environment.
Module 3: Techniques in Geography
This module requires the study and application of a range of geographical skills and those used in fieldwork. Students will be required to plan an investigation and collect data from primary sources. They will bring to an examination a summary report describing their planning, aims and data collection techniques. This should be up to 750 words in length and must be accompanied by a table of data which candidates may be asked to present, analyse, interpret and evaluate.
The A2 Unit of Assessment
Module 4: Physical Processes and Human Interpretations.
Students will choose two optional modules from four. These optional modules are a progression from the topics studied in module 1. They are:
Unit A Managing Fluvial and Coastal Environments
Unit B The Nature and Vulnerability of Tropical Ecosystems
Unit C Pollution and its Management.
Unit D Natural Hazards and Human Activity
Module 5: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
Students will choose from two optional modules from four. These optional modules are a progression from the topics studied in module 2. They are:
Unit A Impact of Population Change
Unit B Issues I Ethnic Diversity
Unit C Planning for Sustainable Settlements
Unit D The Changing Nature of Economic Activity
Module 6: Skills and Decision Making in Geography
Module 6 is the Terminal or Synoptic part of the examination.
Section A
Students will be assumed to have a knowledge of fieldwork and the skills associated with the following: data collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data and the drawing of conclusions about such data.
Section B
This is a decision making exercise. Students will be presented with a variety of sources and will use particular skills and techniques to evaluate them. They will be asked to take on a role for answering part of the exercise and to examine conflicting values which may be apparent in the case study. They will be required to consider alternative choices and to make and justify recommendations.
Geography at A2 develops a wide range of attributes within the individual. Key skills is an important element of the new AS and A2 assessment. Geography offers the potential to develop and assess all areas of these 'key skills'.
Geography is a good 'bridge' between the Sciences and the Humanities and can therefore be combined with a wide range of subject choices, to be used in application to further and higher education. Geography Graduates operate successfully and are in demand in a wide ranger of careers from Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Civil Service and many fields of Business Management.
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