Geography at AS and A2
1. Specification
You will be studying Edexcel Specification A. Your teachers will explain the content and format of the units and the schedule of topics to be covered. Aim to become familiar with the specification headings and the topics which will be assessed within each unit. The full specification can be found at
www.edexcel.org
2. Course Structure
In Year 12 there are eight periods of geography per week. Four of these will be spent studying physical geography (Unit 1) with one teacher and the other four periods will be on human geography (Unit 2) with a different teacher. The fieldwork unit (Unit 3) will be taught on the residential field trip (see below) and by both your teachers. You will take your first exams (AS Units 1, 2 and 3) in May/June of Year 12. There will be a similar approach for A2 to cover physical geography (Unit 4) and human geography (Unit 5). The synoptic unit (Unit 6) is designed to asses an overall understanding of the subject and will be covered by both teachers throughout the course.
3. Fieldwork
It is a requirement that all students do fieldwork. A
residential trip to the Field Studies Council Centre at Slapton is arranged in late October. Vital content for both Unit 1 and Unit 3 will be covered on the course. Please make sure that you inform your parents of this commitment now since all students are expected to attend. Local visits will be arranged when covering specific topics such as flood control, residential patterns and urban regeneration.
4. Sources of Information
In addition to the text books for your personal use you are expected to use other books and resources. When preparing work you should refer to a variety of sources and never rely just on notes taken in class.
- Geography Review. This publication is designed for AS and A2 students and copies are available in the library and in the magazine racks in the Geography rooms. Many of the articles are relevant to your studies and you may take out a personal subscription if you wish.
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- School Library. This contains copies of important texts as well as books of general interest. Certain 'key texts' are held as 'reference only' behind the counter and may not be taken out of the library. Geography books are found in a number of locations within the library (thanks to the Dewey classification system!) so it is important for you to know how to search for books on specific topics. The librarians will help you and there is a list of all geography books in the library (sorted by Dewey class) which is available at the counter.
- Newspapers. These contain useful articles relevant to many topics. The quality national papers give excellent coverage of relevant topics such as natural hazards, environmental issues, planning concerns, development, economic systems and population. The Nottingham Evening Post is a valuable source for local case studies. Try to look at a newspaper on a daily basis.
- Internet. This is obviously a wealth of information but it can be difficult and time consuming trying to find relevant material. Don't forget to use the recommended subject specific sites on our Useful Websites page.
5. Method of Study
Remember that with post-16 education the teacher is much more of a 'guide' to your study. Always take the initiative to refer to your text books and other references. Your chosen occupation is now that of a full time student so do not fall into the trap of doing the bare minimum (or less!) of work. The Sixth Form Handbook gives further guidance on the amount of time you should be spending on your studies.
- If you are having genuine difficulty preparing some work to be handed in then you must see your teacher in advance. It is departmental policy not to tolerate late work and your teacher will notify your tutor and the Head of Sixth Form of any unauthorised failure to meet deadlines.
- There is a strong correlation between success and the quality of a student's notes. Headings and sub-headings are vital and show that you have appreciated what it is you are making notes of. Make the page attractive by spacing out key points and underlining. You cannot revise effectively from long sections of extended writing. Try not to copy directly from a book. Read a given section first and then convert succinctly into your own words. That way you will understand and learn what you are reading. Don't keep all your work in one file. Leave completed topics safely at home.
6. Key Skills
The Geography specification offers a very wide range of opportunities to develop your Key Skills. Follow school advice and 'keep up to speed'. Some examples include:
- Application of Number …..handling and presenting fieldwork data on river channel characteristics.
- Communication …..read and synthesise information from two extended documents on economic development before producing a report or essay with at least one image.
- ICT …..research population issues using CD-ROM/Internet databases and brought together in a consistent format with automated routines where appropriate.
- Working with Others …..design, application and evaluation of group fieldwork.
- Improving own Learning and Performance …..creating an action plan and subsequent log for the completion of an important assignment.
- Problem Solving …..recognising, exploring and describing the need for urban renewal with comparison of two options to solve the problem.
