Geography A Level

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE including English Language. It is not essential to have studied Geography at GCSE, but if taken, you must have achieved a grade 5, plus a 4 in Maths and Science.

Year One Geography

• Water and Carbon Cycles
• Contemporary Urban Environments
• Changing Places

Year Two Geography

Physical Geography

• Water and Carbon Cycles (already covered in first year of the A Level)
• Hot Desert Systems and Landscapes
• Hazards

Human Geography

• Global Systems and Global Governance
• Changing Places (already covered in first year of the A Level)
• Contemporary Urban Environments (already covered in first year of the A Level)

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an essential part of A Level Geography, and an aspect of the course that students find very enjoyable and rewarding. 

The AQA exam board requires students to undertake 4 days of fieldwork, this would include 2 days of guided fieldwork and 2 days of independent fieldwork. We organise two separate days of fieldwork training normally at Beverley (to study urban heat islands) and Dalby Forest (to study factors affecting stream velocity). 

Additionally, you will independently study contrasting urban environments by visiting several areas within York as part of the Changing Places module.

Over the course of the first year, you will develop the skills to conduct geography fieldwork independently. In the second year you will conduct your own fieldwork investigation that will contribute to your final grade.

Geographical Investigation

This involves an individual investigation where the student produces a minimum 3,000 word report that accounts for 60 marks and 20% of the A Level. This piece of work is internally assessed and moderated by AQA.

Students produce an independent piece of fieldwork coursework with guidance provided throughout the year. This is an opportunity to put into practice all that they have learned throughout their geographical education and allows students to demonstrate their skills as geographers. This is a fantastic opportunity to write a dissertation-style report before heading off to further study or the job sector. 

You will typically be in College four days per week, with lesson style varying according to subject. In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps.

You will receive a variety of classwork and homework exercises throughout the course allowing you to practise the theory and skills you have learnt during the course. This will include past paper questions, enabling you to develop the technique needed to be successful in the A Level exams.

Geography will complement both science and humanities subjects.

Geography is a facilitating subject valued by employers and universities alike. Studying the subject develops your geographical knowledge skills to study a range of geography and environmental degrees. You will also gain a wealth of transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and teamwork that are valued in a range of degree programmes beyond geography.

There are many job opportunities for students who have taken courses in Geography, and employers welcome the wide range of skills covered. Geography sits comfortably with both sciences and humanities. Past students have gone on to study physical geography, human geography, environmental management, and environmental science.