"Geography is a versatile subject which allows you to develop a variety of skills including practical skills, analysis, math's, statistics, science and IT. Its broad nature will mean you never get bored and the skills you develop open up your career opportunities. I chose to study human and physical geography at university to extend my knowledge of the subject and open up a broad range of job opportunities. My A-Level and GCSE knowledge of geography has been vital in helping me through my degree, especially the non-examined assessment and practical elements. Personally, I love the varied nature of geography; each module I study feels like a different subject which keeps me on my toes, but I also like being able to link them together to see the bigger picture. I am hoping to build a career as an environmental consultant after university, via a graduate scheme, in one of the following fields: water management, transport planning or civil engineering."
Alicia (Former St. Mary's A level geography student now studying Geography at Reading University.)
Alicia (Former St. Mary's A level geography student now studying Geography at Reading University.)
A level geography at St. Mary's follows the Edexcel specification. Teaching is split into Physical and Human units which are taught by 2 different teachers. Students have 4 hours of lessons a week which are currently all taught on one day. In year 12 students cover the 4 year 1 units of Tectonic processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, Globalisation and Regeneration Places. In the summer term of year 12, students carry out fieldwork in preparation for writing the Independent Investigation. This fieldtrip is usually a residential trip to Dorset where we learn key fieldwork and analysis skills before students carry out an investigation into a topic of their own interest which counts for 20% of the final grade. In year 13 students cover the final year 2 topics of The water cycle and water insecurity, The carbon cycle and energy security, Superpowers and Migration, Identity and Sovereignty. These units are examined in 2 exam papers at the end of year 13.
In addition to these 2 exam papers there is a 3rd exam which is a synoptic. This exam includes many skills and requires students to link their learning across the topics and reach conclusions.
You will find examples of the 3 exam papers in the document section at the end of the page.
If you are interested in doing A level geography at St. Mary's have a conversation with your teacher to find out more. You will also find a transition booklet below which will help you prepare.
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Throughout the A level course we recommend students carry out wider reading and information gathering. The Digging Deeper documents below give some ideas of where you can find some resources to help with this. You will also find more reading suggestions on the 'Books we suggest...' page.
In addition there are some free to access university courses which students might like to have a go at which link to the course we are studying.
You can find downloadable copies of each of these documents by clicking on the button
In addition there are some free to access university courses which students might like to have a go at which link to the course we are studying.
You can find downloadable copies of each of these documents by clicking on the button