Geography and Environmental Science Subject Desc

Enviromental Science A Level

Geography & environmental science

Geography A Level

Geography A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study the qualifications?

For two years.

What is this course about?

By focusing on current global issues linked to physical and human Geography, you will explore the relationship between people and the environment. You will be encouraged to think critically about the world around you; to make decisions about the future; and to develop a wide range of geographical skills. A key part of Geography A Level involves an exciting residential fieldwork trip to South Wales.

What topics will I study?

Year 1 • Tectonic processes and hazards • Coastal landscapes and change • Regenerating places • Globalisation • Superpowers Year 2 • The Carbon cycle and energy security • The water cycle and water insecurit • Health, human rights and intervention

Students will also undertake a compulsory Independent Investigation, which will be based on a 5-day field trip to South Wales during Year 12.

How will my work be assessed?

Students will sit three exams as detailed below: Paper 1 (code: 9GEO/01) The ‘physical’ paper Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 30% of the qualification – 105 marks.

Paper 2 (code: 9GEO/02) The ‘human’ paper Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 30% of the qualification – 105 marks.

Paper 3 (code: 9GEO/03) The ‘synoptic’ paper Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 20% of the qualification – 70 marks.

Students will also write an Independent Investigation based on fieldwork in South Wales. This is nonexamined, but is marked internally by the Geography teachers and externally moderated. It should be around 3000-4000 words and is worth 70 marks (20% of the qualification).

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

Students need an interest in the world around them, particularly in climate change, water insecurity, politics, consequences of globalisation and responses to hazards. They should also have an interest in environmental issues.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Students will need to develop analytical skills, time management, practical scientific skills, skills in maths and statistics, independent research, ICT skills and team work.

Students will need to be able to make links between different geographical themes, ideas and concepts.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including grade 4 in English and 4 in Mathematics.

What are the lessons like?

You will have the opportunity to work in groups and individually to complete your work. Tasks are varied and are based around ‘real world’ examples which explain and highlight geographical theories and concepts.

You will explore both human and physical themes with a variety of resources.

What do students say about this course?

“This course is exciting and fun. I have learnt as much about mobile phone apps for learning as I have about Geography”.

“Teaching on this course is excellent, talking through and breaking down exam questions makes it easier for me to be clear what needs to be included”.

“We are really involved with the learning in lessons, there are different teaching styles that make the lessons fun and interesting”.

“The field trip to Margam in South Wales was great, it really helped me with my Independent Investigation and I made lots of new friends”.

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Keep up-to-date with news and current affairs.

Complete your weekly homework on time and act on feedback.

Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

There are some similarities with our A Level Environmental Science course, and many of our students take both Geography and Environmental Science if they are interested in

studying or working in a related field after College.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Geography is an academic A Level which combines well with a range of other subjects. Previous students have found that it combines well with Economics, History, Business, Statistics and many more. Geography is a very well-regarded by both workplaces and universities. It is a ‘facilitating subject’ which top universities regard highly when assessing a student’s suitability for various degree courses.

What do people do with A Level Geography?

The course has been designed to prepare students to either enter the workplace in a related career, or to go on to higher education or further training.

Are there any costs associated with this course?

The 5-day UK residential fieldwork incurs a cost.

Environmental Science A Level

When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

Our A-level Environmental Science course will help to inspire students and nurture their passion for the subject and lay the foundations for further study and the workplace.

Environmental Science is a highly relevant interdisciplinary fourth science option. It’s ideal study for anyone interested in contemporary environmental issues, systems thinking and sustainability.

What topics will I study?

There are 6 different units covered over 2 years: 1. The living environment 2. The physical environment 3. Energy resources 4. Pollution 5. Biological resources 6. Sustainability Throughout the course students will also cover a variety of research methods.

How will my work be assessed?

Paper 1: • The physical environment • Energy resources • Pollution • Research methods Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.

Paper 2: • The living environment • Biological resources • Sustainability • Research methods What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

Students need an interest in the world around them, particularly in climate change, pollution, sustainability and conservation.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Students will need to develop analytical skills, time management, practical scientific skills, skills in maths and statistics, independent research, ICT skills and team work.

Students will need to be able to make links between different environmental science themes, ideas and concepts.

Science and Geography as well as another Science (Biology is the most common).

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including grade 4 in Mathematics, Science and English.

What do people do with Environment Science?

The course has been designed to prepare students either to enter the workplace in a related career, or to go on to higher education or further training.

What are the lessons like?

You will have the opportunity to work in groups and individually to complete your work. Tasks are varied and are based around ‘real world’ examples which explain and highlight environmental theories and concepts. You will also complete a number of practical experiments both in class and outside What do students say about this course?

“Teaching on this course is excellent, talking through and breaking down exam questions makes it easier for me to be clear what needs to be included”.

“We are really involved with the learning in lessons, there are different teaching styles that make the lessons fun and interesting”.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Many students who are interested in pursuing a career in Environmental science will combine Environmental

Are there any costs associated with this course?

There are some day trips which incur a small cost.

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