Year 12 (AS) Year 13 (A2) Knowledge and Understanding

Year 12 (AS)
Knowledge and Understanding
We teach Edexcel A level Geography which is one of the most contemporary specifications
available. The entire specification is aimed at disseminating knowledge on a modern,
interconnected world meaning our students are studying the Geography of today’s global
issues.
 UNIT 1 60% of AS award
Topic 1: World at Risk
Topic 2: Going Global
Unit 1 focuses on modern and current physical Geography issues like hazard tracking and
management, globalisation and global trade.
Overview of Assessment:
1-hour-and-30-minute examination in two sections.
Section A: objective items, data response and short-answer questions.
Section B: choice of Going Global or World at Risk longer/guided essay questions.
 UNIT 2 40% of AS award
A closer look at how physical and human issues influence lives and can be managed.
Physical topic - Crowded Coasts reveals how increasing development is testing our ability
to manage these valued environments.
Human topics - Rebranding Places focuses on how we need to re-image and regenerate
rural and urban places, using appropriate strategies.
Overview of Assessment:
1 hour 15 minutes examination in two sections.
Candidates will answer one physical question from Section A and one human question
from Section B. The questions require longer responses, each with three parts, designed to
include data response, investigation and evaluation skills and related
impacts/management issues.
Skills Development
Throughout A level students will learn to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
the content, concepts and processes. Analyse, interpret and evaluate geographical
information, issues and viewpoints and apply understanding in unfamiliar contexts. Select
and use a variety of methods, skills and techniques (including the use of new technologies)
to investigate questions and issues, reach conclusions and communicate findings.
Year 13 (A2)
Knowledge and Understanding
Students continue the Edexcel A level Geography specification. In Y13 the specification moves
toward more advanced and sophisticated global issues looking at conflict on everything from
resource distribution to geopolitics.
 UNIT 3 (60% of A2 award)
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. There are six compulsory topics:
Topic 1: Energy Security
Topic 2: Water Conflicts
Topic 3: Biodiversity Under Threat
Topic 4: Superpower Geographies
Topic 5: Bridging the Development Gap Topic 6: The Technological Fix?
Overview of Assessment:
2-hour-and-30-minute examination in two sections. Students will be asked to select and answer
two questions from five in Section A and all questions in Section B.
 UNIT 4 (40% of A2 award)
Options range from those with a strong physical geography focus, to those concerned more
with environmental, social and cultural geographies. Students must select and study one of the
following research options:
Option 1: Tectonic Activity and Hazards
Option 2: Cold Environments – Landscapes and Change
Option 3: Life on the Margins – the Food Supply Problem
Option 4: The World of Cultural Diversity
Option 5: Pollution and Human Health at Risk
Option 6: Consuming the Rural Landscape – Leisure and Tourism.
Overview of Assessment:
1 hour and 30 minute examination. Candidates will be given a list of questions based on the six
options. Candidates will select and answer one question that relates to the option they have
studied.
Skills Development
Students develop knowledge and understanding of selected physical, human and
environmental processes that underpin key geographical concepts. We develop a knowledge
and understanding of the key concepts of place, space, diversity, interdependence, people–
environment interaction, the processes associated with these, and change over time. Students
use a range of skills and techniques, including the use of maps and images at different scales
necessary for geographical study and to carry out research and out-of-classroom work including
fieldwork. Finally they will use modern information technologies, including geographical
information systems (GIS).
Literacy
Across Key Stage 5, students are given opportunities to
develop literacy skills. Although on the Edexcel A level
specification spelling, punctuation and grammar is not
included in the mark scheme, though this is subject to
change. Students through their written work will show
evidence of description, explanation, discursive writing,
analysis and evaluation. The importance of spelling correct
geographical terminology is highlighted in teaching and
learning activities. Schemes of work allow for the
development of speaking and listening skills through
questioning, debates, role play and presentations. A range
of reading materials are used to enhance the delivery of
topics both in class and outside of class time. Students
develop reading skills which require them to select and
retrieve geographical information from a range of sources.
Independent Study & VLE
Essays are set weekly. Students are expected to spend 60+
minutes on homework per week. Homework tasks include
independent research, extended writing, drafting written
work, redrafting written work, worksheets, preparing
presentations, reading in preparation for lessons, research
on topical geographical events. Through the VLE and library
students have access to lesson resources, revision
resources, stretch and challenge activities, teacher
resources and reading lists.
Meeting the Needs of Individual Students
A level classes tend to be much smaller in number than
GCSE which means each student gets a lot more personal
attention from their teacher and this reflects in their work.
Our teachers are highly proficient at matching work with
pupil ability levels, though our A level students are
predominantly students who achieved highly at GCSE.
Students sit a Higher Paper (A*-D) or Foundation Paper (CG) in A level Geography. For the more able; students are
given opportunities to show detailed knowledge and
thorough understanding of a wide range of geographical
concepts, processes and patterns.
This is done through open ended written tasks which allow
students to show their potential. For those who find
Geography more challenging; we provide structured
writing frames and resources which enable students to
work through questions in a more methodical and planned
way. A range of teaching and learning activities are used in
order to successfully engage students in their learning;
mixed ability groups, paired work, and class debate and
discussion. Our unique 3 weekly assessment cycle help
students track their progress and help staff monitor
students’ progression in Geography. The bespoke nature of
our particular marking scheme allows us to set tasks to
truly stretch and challenge our very able students, while
also setting manageable, accessible tasks for our lesser
able students.
G&T Geography students will be provided with work which
will allow them to show their potential. Higher paper
questions will enable them to show their ability by using
higher thinking skills of analysis and evaluation. Students
will be required to read extensively, around the subject.
The website geographyinthenews.rgs.org is very helpful
here. SEN students will be given differentiated questions
and for longer answer responses will be provided with
writing frames. We also have an academic tutor
programme for our lesser achieving students that has
proven very successful in raising student attainment.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs
In year 12 and in 13 our students will go on 2 separate day long
fieldwork trips to an applicable location to complete their
fieldwork.
We run a Geography Council comprised of members of each
year group who help run Geographical competitions and
initiatives in the school.
Additional Support for Learning
Revision books and exam booklets are provided to all students.
Revision/extension classes are held for controlled assessment
and for exam paper revision (optional). Lunchtime help is also
available for students who need further support and assistance.
Websites to Support Learning
www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org
www.googleearth.com
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography
www.revisionworld.co.uk/gcse/geography
www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography
www.geography.learnonthenet.co.uk/podcasts/index.html
www.geographypods.com
www.coolgeography.co.uk
www.nationalgeographic.com
www.georesources.co.uk
Resources Needed
Pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, highlighter, coloured pens (including
green), colouring pencils and a calculator.