AS and A Level
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 realize 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 pass grade at GCSE Maths is very useful as there is some use made of statistical methods during the course. It is recommended that candidates gained a GCSE grade C in English.
What is covered in the course?
AS
At AS level a balanced range of physical and human Geography topics is mandatory, with the Physical Geography component covering the topics of Hot Arid Environments and Cold Environments and building on the study of River and Coastal Environments from GCSE. The Human Geography component introduces topics such as the Energy Issue and the Growth of Tourism and continues with relevant issues, by examining Urban and Rural Change. There is an emphasis on ensuring that topics have relevance to the modern world and young peoples’ lives. Topics are explored in depth including by individual research and investigation, which may include fieldwork. Where appropriate modern information technologies, including geographic information systems, are used.
Assessment.
AS Unit F761: Managing Physical Environments
This paper has two sections.
Section A: Candidates are required to answer two questions chosen from four structured data-response questions which are each divided into four parts. To do this, candidates choose one question from either Coastal environments or River environments and one question from either Cold environments or Hot arid / semi-arid environments. Questions are based upon stimulus material, which may include maps (OS and other types), written material, photographs, satellite and other images, diagrams and statistical information.
Section B: Candidates are required to answer one question chosen from four extended-writing questions. There will be one question set for each of the four environments. The question answered must be on a different topic from the two topics chosen in Section A.
50% of the total AS GCE marks 1.5h written paper 75 marks
Candidates answer three questions.
AS Unit F762: Managing Change in Human Environments
This paper has two sections.
Section A: Candidates are required to answer two questions chosen from four structured data-response questions which are each divided into four parts. To do this, candidates choose one question from either Managing Urban Change or Managing Rural Change and one question from either The Energy Issue or The Growth of Tourism. Questions are based upon stimulus material, which may include maps (OS and other types), written material, photographs, satellite and other images, diagrams and statistical information.
Section B: Candidates are required to answer one question chosen from four extended-writing questions. There will be one question set for each of the four human geography topics. The question answered must be on a different topic from the two topics chosen in Section A.
50% of the total AS GCE marks 1.5h written paper 75 marks
Candidates answer three questions.
A2
At A2 level the Global Issues paper introduces optional units with the Environmental issues of ‘Climatic hazards’, ‘Ecosystems and Environments under threat’ and ‘Earth Hazards’ offered along with Economic issues of ‘Globalisation’, Development and inequalities’ and ‘Population and Resources.’
Geographical skills are examined in a written paper based on a chosen study from the content of the Global issues unit. This provides an opportunity to acquire new skills, such as more advanced statistical and analytical techniques as well as building on those acquired at AS level. This will enable candidates to use individual application, interpretation, evaluation and informed judgements with a degree of confidence.
Assessment.
A2 Unit F763: Global Issues
This paper has two sections.
Section A: Candidates are required to answer three questions, at least one from three questions on Environmental issues and at least one from three questions on Economic issues. All questions present a set of data and candidates are expected to identify any issues they show and suggest appropriate strategies to manage them.
Section B: Candidates are required to answer two essay-type questions, one from six questions on Environmental issues and one from six questions on Economic issues.
Candidates answer five questions.
30% of the total Advanced GCE marks 2.5h written paper 90 marks
This unit is synoptic.
A2 Unit F764: Geographical Skills
This paper has two sections.
Section A: Candidates are required to answer one question chosen from three structured data-response questions which are each divided into three parts. These questions are based upon stimulus material, which may include maps (OS and other types), written material, photographs, satellite and other images, diagrams and statistical information; and upon the skills and techniques used during the geographical research that candidates will have undertaken at both AS and A2.
Section B: Candidates are required to answer two extended-writing questions. Questions focus on the skills and the techniques used during the geographical research including analysis, interpretation, evaluation and drawing conclusions.
Candidates answer three questions in total.
20% of the total Advanced GCE marks 1.5h written paper, partly based on candidates’ own investigation/research. 60 marks
This unit is synoptic.
Specification: OCR Geography AS H083 A H483
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.
