GEOGRAPHY Edexcel AS level specification 8GEO1

AS A2 Options 2008 09

GEOGRAPHY Edexcel AS level specification 8GEO1 “You can travel the seas, poles, and deserts and see nothing. To really understand the world you need to get under the skin of the people and places. In other words, learn about geography. I can’t imagine a subject more relevant. It is the subject that holds the key to our future.” Michael Palin.

Unit

Unit Title

Duration

Mode of Assessment

Weighting at AS

1

Global Challenges

1 hour 30 minutes

Written examination

60%

2

Geographical Investigations

1 hour

Written examination

40%

Style of work: Varies between group discussion, fieldwork, data presentation and analysis, research based tasks, writing data response and longer guided essay questions. Using ICT including geographical information systems (GIS). Edexcel’s GCE Geography includes global issues that are relevant to students today. It also uniquely provides a refreshing progression from a GCSE in Geography, with brand new topics to stretch and inspire. AS studies centre on: Headline global challenges of the 21st Century – Climate Change, natural hazards, globalisation, population and migration. What is the meaning, cause, impact and management of each challenge? Crowded Coasts – representing 10% of inhabited land space yet accommodating 60% of the world’s population. What is the impact of this? Fieldwork will focus on the Dorset Coastline. Rebranding Places – why is it necessary? How well does it work? Investigating both flagship projects such as London 2012 and community schemes such as the Surf Reef at Boscombe, Bournemouth which we will visit! Course Prerequisites: A GCSE grade of B or above is an advantage. Students who have a keen interest in the world around them and who have not studied GCSE Geography may also consider this course. Why Geography: A-level geography is a highly regarded qualification by universities and employers and has applicability in many related fields such as economics, history, politics, biology and physics. Geography forms the bridge between the natural and human world and the science and arts disciplines. Geography is recognised by all universities as an academic discipline and geographers are highly valued in the workplace for their all-round skills and organisation.

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AS A2 Options 2008 09

GEOGRAPHY Edexcel A2 level specification 9GEO1 “Geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Whatever your passion for the world - fascination with landscapes or concerns about inequality - geography will provide you with knowledge and transferable skills that will reward you personally and advance you professionally.” Dr Rita Gardner, director of the RGS

Unit

Unit Title

Duration

Mode of Assessment

Weighting at AS

3

Contested Planet

2 hours 30 minutes

written examination Part B of exam includes pre-released.

60%

4

Geographical Research

1 hour 30 minutes

Written examination Research focus material will be pre-released.

40%

Style of work: A balance between group discussion, individual research, fieldwork, data stimulus essay questions, using ICT and GIS. A2 Studies centre on: Contested Planet: World population growth is putting ever-increasing pressure on the planet’s limited resources. Energy security, water conflicts, threats to biodiversity and the development gap are all studied. The role of superpowers and technology are considered. Geographical Research: Students must select and study one option ranging from those with a strong physical geography focus, to those concerned more with environmental, social and cultural geographies. Topics include; Tectonic Activity and Hazards, Cold Environments, the Food Supply Problem, Pollution and Human Health and Leisure and Tourism. Some sections of each module will be taught on field excursions to a variety of urban and physical environments. The course allows a balance between students’ own particular interests and key geographical topics that provide them with the knowledge, understanding and skills for further study at higher education or for employment. Why Geography: To quote a major employer: “Geographers are stars in many respects, as they have a unique insight into the relationships between human and physical phenomena.” The study of geography is also proven to improve literacy, numeracy and communication skills. Geography graduates end up in a diverse range of careers from law, consultancy and investment banking to environmental management, insurance and town planning. Many other A level Geography students go on to study medicine and architecture at university.

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