KS5 Geography
KS5 Curriculum Intention
There has never been a better or more important time to study A level Geography. Dealing with vital issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation, social issues and natural hazards, A level Geography is one of the most relevant subjects you could choose to study. Geography certainly provides insights into the world around us and tackles many highly contemporary issues. The A level Geography course deals with both human and physical geography, with some of the issues overlapping. The course is designed to challenge student perceptions and to encourage them to develop investigative and critical thinking skills. Studying Geography is not only about the content that you will cover, but also the skills which you will develop throughout your studies.
Curriculum Downloads
KS5 Curriculum Knowledge Covered
We currently follow the AQA specification.
| Component1 | Component 2 | Component 3 |
| Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of total A-Level) | Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of total A-Level) | Extended written Investigation (20% of total A-Level) 3,000–4,000 words Marked by teachers Moderated by AQA. |
| The Water and Carbon Cycle, Coastal systems and landscapes and Hazards | Changing Places, Global systems and global governance and Contemporary urban environments | Geography fieldwork investigation Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content. |
Mutually beneficial curriculum connections
- Maths is explored in many different formats particularly with reference to the presentation and manipulation of data sets, statistical testing is required for the NEA.
- English is vital to the production of comprehensive, well written answers to questions.
- Human geography topics are relevant to both history and Personal development and students are strongly encouraged to empathise with those in poorer countries, or those that have suffered due to social, economic or environmental disasters.
- Science is explored in many different topics, specifically the water and carbon cycle.
- Engineering may be explored through the development of new technologies such as hydro-electric production and the rapidly developing area of wind power.
- Computer science is referred to in different contexts, particularly the growing quaternary sector of employment.
- Health and sociology topics underpin students understanding of hot topics such as water stress and health issues in different areas of the globe.