Geography and Environmental Science Courses
Geography A Level
Environmental Science WJEC Level 3
Subject Descriptions
www.worthing.ac.uk
Geography A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2018. For how long will I study the qualification? For two years. What is this course about? How do people change the environment? How does the environment affect people? 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 in Devon. What topics will I study? • Dynamic landscapes • Dynamic places • Physical systems and sustainability • Human systems and geopolitics • Globalisation • Shaping places • Regenerating places • Superpowers • Global development and connections • Health, human rights and intervention
Students will also undertake a compulsory independent investigation, which will be based on a 5-day field trip to Devon 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 guided fieldwork in Devon. This is nonexamined, but is marked internally by the Geography teachers. It is worth 20% of the qualification or 70 marks.
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, people, tectonics, the environment, politics and food security. 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 good time management skills, good scientific practical skills, independent research skills, good ITC skills and good team working skills.
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 make 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 specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C.
“The field trip to Slapton in Devon was great, it really helped me with my independent investigation and I made lots of new friends”.
Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.
What have I got to do in order to do well? Keep up-to-date with news and current affairs.
What are the lessons like? You will have the opportunity to work in groups or individually to complete your work. Tasks are varied and are based around ‘real world’ examples which explain and highlight geographical theories. You will explore both human and physical themes with a variety of resources. Your work will be submitted online and you will use online portfolios.
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 Environmental Science Diploma, and many of our students do both Geography and Environmental Science at the same time if they are
interested in studying or working in the geography or environmental field after college. Diplomas are assessed mainly through coursework, whereas A Level Geography is mainly examination based. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? The course combines very well with Environmental Science Diploma. However, Geography is an academic A Level which combines well with a range of other subjects. It is very wellregarded by universities when assessing a student’s suitability for a course. This applies to students who do not go on to university to study Geography as well as those that do. What do people do with A Level Geography? The course has been designed to prepare students to either enter the workplace in an environmental 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 WJEC Level 3 Diploma
When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2018.
How will my work be assessed? The course is made up of four units.
For how long will I study? For two years.
All four units must be completed to achieve the qualification.
What is this course about? This is an applied course which will introduce you to the concepts of Environmental Science. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of key scientific principles related to Environmental Science and this will enable you to provide solutions for environmental problems.
Year 1 In the first year you will complete two units. One is coursework based and internally assessed. The other unit you will take in the first year is an externally set assignment which you will complete in ‘controlled conditions’.
What topics will I study? • Managing energy for a sustainable future (Internally assessed) • The living environment and conservation (External assignment - controlled conditions) • Monitoring our physical environment (Internally assessed) • Scientific principles and the environment (Externally assessed) (Synoptic)
Year 2 In the second year you will complete another coursework based unit which is internally assessed and an external exam which is a synoptic paper and will have pre-released material. Students will gain a final grade of either Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You will not need any prior knowledge of Environmental Science. However, a willingness to learn and an interest in the environment, conservation and a sustainable future will support your success on this course
What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good time management skills, an ability to work independently and enthusiasm for coursework are essential. You will also develop the skills needed to provide solutions for environmental problems. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application. What are the lessons like? We use a wide range of teaching methods throughout the course including presentations, discussions, group work and lots of independent research. Half of the course is coursework based, so in some lessons you will be working on assignments and in others more focused on developing skills and knowledge for external exams. 1:1 support is available to all students. What do students say about this course? “I have enjoyed learning about different environmental issues.” “Lessons are really practical and we get to do lots of different activities.”
“The course has made me more independent with my learning and more confident.” “The trips and speakers have helped me with my work in this subject.” What have I got to do in order to do well? You need to complete all work set, keep up-to-date, listen, participate and attend all lessons. You will also need to develop your skills as an independent learner and show a commitment to learning about planning for a sustainable future. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? This is equivalent to one A Level subject so you would normally combine it with two other A Levels or equivalent. You could combine it with A Level Geography or another BTEC/A Level Science subject. What do people do with Environment Science? Students can use this subject to study Environmental Studies/Science or Geography based subjects at University. Students can also progress into careers within the growing Environmental Industry. Employment opportunities include Town Planner, Landscape Architect and Sustainability Consultant.
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All info correct at date of issue. Please check www.worthing.ac.uk for updates.
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