Geography in the Sixth Form

GCE Geography AQA (2030)

AS Outline

At AS, all candidates will study core human and physical geography. In each area of study candidates will consider the values and attitudes of decision makers, consider their own values and attitudes to the issues being studied and support their learning of ideas through the study of specific case studies. Candidates will also develop a variety of geographical skills, which will broaden and deepen existing knowledge and be employed with a greater degree of independence.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: A. Physical Geography Topic list

1. Rivers, floods and management (core)

2. Cold environments (Chosen option)

3. Coastal environments

4. Hot desert environments and their margins

B. Human Geography Topic list

1. Global population change (Core)

2. Food supply issues

3. Energy issues

4. Health issues. (Chosen option)

Assessment:

Externally assessed Written Paper: 2 hours

Weighting: 70% of total AS / 35% A Level marks

Structured short and extended questions.

Unit 2: Applied Geography Topic list

1. Basic, investigative, ICT, graphical, cartographical and statistical skills

2. Research skills and the assessment of AS fieldwork

Assessment:

Externally assessed Written Paper: 2 hours

Weighting: 30% of total AS / 15% A Level marks

Structured skills and generic research / fieldwork questions.

A2 Outline

At A2, candidates will continue to study a combination of human and physical geography. Candidates are required to choose whether to undertake:

1. Preparatory investigative work in the field in order to be able to produce a fieldwork investigation, or

2. Undertake an issue evaluation exercise to extend the content within the specialised context of issue evaluation.

The A2 Specification has 2 units

Unit 3: Contemporary Geographical Issues Topic list

1. Plate tectonics and associated hazards

2. Weather and climate and associated hazards

3. Challenges facing ecosystems

4. World cities - evolution or revolution?

5. Development and globalisation

6. Contemporary conflicts and challenges.

Assessment:

Externally assessed Written Paper: 2 hours

Weighting: 30% of total A Level marks

Structured short and extended questions and an essay.

Unit 4A: Geography Fieldwork Investigation

Assessment

Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks

Structured short and extended questions based on candidates' own fieldwork investigation.

OR

Unit 4B: Geographical Issue Evaluation (Preferred Option)

Assessment:

Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks

Structured short and extended questions based on an advance information leaflet issued by AQA

Advanced Extension Awards from the WJEC awarding body can be undertaken.