WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L
2 0 11 S I X T H F O R M C U R R I C U L U M
Geography AS/A2 Level Examination Board: OCR; Syllabus B Aims of Course The course is designed to highlight the main issues and concepts that young adults are likely to encounter in their current and future lives, such that they can make better-informed decisions and be sensitive to a wide range of viewpoints and challenges. Issue- and concept-based, this curriculum enables students to address topics which are relevant to their locality, as well as the rapidly globalising world beyond. It includes exploration of the principles, concepts and processes that help explain geographical phenomena and landscapes, encouraging spatial awareness and sense of place, as well as maintaining the balance between physical geography and human geography. It facilitates student’s continual development and use of a wide range of skills, including those in the field, which are desirable in higher education and the workplace.
Programme of Study at AS Level and A2 Level Advanced Subsidiary (AS Level) Students study two units: Managing Physical Environments and Managing Change in Human Environments. This balance of topics enables students to further develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of key geographical processes, focusing on social, economic and environmental issues. Advanced (A2 Level) The progression to A Level Geography enables students to build on the key themes they studied at AS Level. Students develop the ability to identify and quantify issues of global concern. The fourth unit enables students to develop an understanding of the process of geographical investigation via fieldwork.
Unit
Level
Name
1
AS
2
Description
Weighting AS/A
Managing Physical environments
Topics include rivers, coasts, hot and cold environments.
50% / 25%
AS
Managing Human environments
Topics include managing urban change, managing rural change, energy and tourism
50% / 25%
3
A2
Global issues
Options include earth hazards, climatic hazards, globalisation, development and inequality.
60% / 30%
4
A2
Geographical Skills
Geographical investigation including fieldwork, and development of research skills
40% / 20%
Approaches to Learning An extensive range of approaches are utilised in the AS and A Level Geography course. There is an emphasis on individual and collaborative learning through research and presentations. Students are expected to undertake independent reading to enhance knowledge and understanding of topics covered.
Who is this course aimed at? In addition to complimenting the skills and approaches of other humanities subjects at this level, Geography is also an ideal companion to Biology, Business Studies, and Sociology.
Minimum entry requirement is a grade C in a Humanities subject at GCSE. E N H A N C E D B Y S P E C I A L I S T T E C H N O L O G Y, M A T H S A N D C O M P U T I N G S T A T U S