Edexcel

Introduction

 

The GCE Geography course is designed to be a really enjoyable course which provides you with much active learning. You will be able to enjoy visits and residential fieldwork - even in the first term! It is investigative / problem solving in its approach, and a wide range of learning methods are used such as self-supported study, seminars, individual and small group tutorials and the use of Internet/IT facilities. Geography is a subject that covers a wide range of current issues and it emphasises a knowledge of the global implications of important contemporary environmental issues, questions and problems. You will have time within the course to explore topics in more depth and this will allow you to develop and adopt a more enquiry-based approach to learning and to clarify your own value judgements. The course is designed so that mentoring (where students are linked on a one-to-one basis with staff) becomes an integral part of the course

Geography is a subject that is particularly rich in cross-curricular opportunities and throughout the course you will be able to develop your skills. You will find that Geography is a good link with Arts, Language and Science A-levels.

 

Course Details

 

AS Unit 1: Global Challenges. The meaning, causes,

                  impacts and management of global challenges. 

                  How we can influence global challenges through 

                  our own lives. There are two compulsory topics

                  that form this unit- World at Risk and Going

                  Global.

      Unit 2: Geographical Investigations. A closer look at

                  how physical and human issues influence lives

                  and can be managed. Students choose two

                  topics from the four offered in this unit; there

                  must be one physical and one human topic.

A2 Unit 3: Contested Planet. The use and management of

                  resources is a key issue for geography in today's

                  world. Consumption patterns highlight stark

                  inequalities between regions, countries and

                  groups of people. Many resources are finite,

                  and rising consumption means that difficult

                  decisions over the use of resources will have to

                  be taken more frequently.

      Unit 4: Geographical Research. Options range from

                  those with strong physical geography focus, to

                  those concerned with more environmental, social

                  and cultural geographies. Students must select

                  and study one of the following research options.

 

Subject specific GCSE requirements

Grade B or above in Geography (if taken). If Geography is not taken at GCSE, then B grades in both another Humanity and English are required.