Why study A level Geography?

The aims of the geography course at SL and HL are to enable students to:

  1. develop an understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment at different scales
  2. develop a critical awareness and consider complexity thinking in the context of the nexus of geographic issues, including: acquiring an in-depth understanding of how geographic issues, or wicked problems, have been shaped by powerful human and physical processes & synthesising diverse geographic knowledge in order to form viewpoints about how these issues could be resolved
  3. understand and evaluate the need for planning and sustainable development through the management of resources at varying scales.

What will I study during the course duration?

Core content

Geographic perspectives – global change

  • Population distribution – changing population
  • Global climate – vulnerability and resilience
  • Global resource consumption and security

Global perspectives – global interactions

  • Power, places and networks
  • Human development and diversity
  • Global risks and resilience

Options for Geographical Themes

  • Geophysical hazards
  • Leisure, tourism and sport
  • Food and health
  • Urban environments

How will I be assessed?

Core content

Paper 2 (25%), Total 90 minutes, Total 50 marks

  • Section A – Three structured questions,  based on each SL/HL core unit 30 marks
  • Section B – Infographic or visual stimulus,  with structured questions and one extended  answer question from a choice of two 20 (10 + 10)  marks

 

Optional themes

Paper 1 (35%), 45 minutes per option question Total 1 hour 30 minutes, Total 40 marks

  • Each option has a structured question and one extended answer question from a choice of two. 20 (10 + 10) marks per option 

Higher Level Extension

Paper 3 (20% of total grade):

  • Known as the Higher Level extension; focuses on geographic perspectives: global interactions.

Internal assessment: Coursework 20% 

Career opportunities and Future study

  • Environmental Management and Sustainability
  • Urban and Regional Planning 
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cartography 
  • Global Development and Humanitarian Work
  • Travel, Tourism, and Cultural Management
  • Education and Research 
  • Public Policy and Government Work 
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Media, Journalism, and Communication
  • Agriculture and Food Security