Syllabus: Edexcel AS 8214 A 9214

Why study geography?

Geography is a relevant and stimulating subject that equips young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding to be effective citizens. In order to do this a full range of topics is studied across the physical, human and environmental spectrum, which allows students to develop an awareness and understanding of the world in which they live and to realise the importance of safeguarding the environment.

Geography bridges the Arts and Sciences, giving flexibility for further education courses. Taken with sciences like Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry, Geography supports applications for almost any science-based university course like engineering, psychology, environmental sciences, oceanography and geology; taken with Humanities like English, French, History or Economics, geography supports an equally wide range of university courses such as business, law, media, politics and philosophy.

It builds on, but is not dependent upon, prior knowledge of the subject at GCSE level. A grade C at GCSE Maths is very useful as there is some use made of statistical methods during the course.

What is covered in the course?

The course offers a balanced range of physical and human geography topics using a systems, process, and pattern approach. There is an emphasis on acquiring and using applied geographical skills. At AS level there are three papers:

· Physical Environments - Earth Systems (Plate tectonics, weathering and igneous activity), Fluvial and Coastal environments
· Human Environments - Population characteristics, Settlement patterns and population movements
· Applied Geographical Skills which is based on fieldwork undertaken at a residential course in Wales

At A2 level the three papers are:

· Physical Systems, Processes and Patterns - Atmospheric, Glacial and Ecosystems
· Human Systems, Processes and Patterns - Economic systems, Rural - Urban inter-relationships, and Development processes
· Synoptic - People and their Environment which is based on issues raised during the study of the four Physical and Human papers

All Sixth Form geographers are required to undertake a minimum of two days field work during their AS course. To comply with these mandatory requirements a residential field course is undertaken every year usually in either the Lake District or West Wales.