A2 Geography
Geography is a flexible subject which is especially attractive to those who want to maintain strong links with the 'real world' outside the classroom. Its broad ranging syllabus and variety of potential specialisms means that it is an excellent subject when taken with a variety of different A Level subjects including History, Economics, English, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Geography can be classified as either an arts or science and is therefore most useful for university applications as it shows that an arts student has sound numeracy and graphical skills, able to deal with statistical analysis and scientific method, and conversely that a science specialist has good literacy and oral skills developed through essay writing and reports presentations. The skills learnt at A Level are transferable to many subjects and careers and as such it is highly valued by employers.
A and AS Level courses cover a wide range of relevant knowledge that provides a useful background to life in today's world. Geography is studied at various scales of enquiry from the local, through national to the global scale.
Changes to A Level Geography from 2008?
Sixth Form Geography builds on many of the ideas and techniques learned in GCSE years and so a previous knowledge of the subject is extremely valuable.
AS Level
There are two units in this course, one physical and one human each which will be taught by a specialist teacher.
Managing Physical Environments: Rivers, Coasts, Glaciation
Managing Change in Human Environments: Managing Urban Change, Energy and Tourism
There is no requirement for coursework but fieldtrips will be interspersed throughout the course in order to provide students with the opportunity to see theory in action.
A Level
There are two contrasting units in this course covering both geographical theory and skills:
Global Issues: Earth hazards, Ecosystems and environments under threat, Globalisation and Development and inequalities
Geographical Skills: throughout the year students must develop a range of geographical skills and techniques based on a variety of data gathered on a residential fieldtrip at the beginning of the year. Students will elect to write up one set of data into a fully developed piece of coursework which will be examined by a written paper.
Skills
A wide variety of transferable skills are developed by the student of geography namely the basic skills of communication, numeracy and graphicacy (the drawing and interpretation of maps and diagrams) together with those of a more specific nature.
Reality
Geography is concerned with the real world - past, present and future. Case studies are regularly updated to take advantage of current events occurring in the fields of natural hazards, industrial change, economic development, aid & trade, globalisation and multinationals amongst many others. Geography in the Sixth Form is a stimulating but demanding subject, which numerous Fettesians in recent years have chosen to continue at university.
Assessment
AS Level
There is no coursework element but two examination papers which are 90 mins each:
Managing Physical Environments (25%)
Managing Change in Human Environments (25%)
Although most students will continue to the full A Level, some students will join the Geography class for only AS.
A Level
The student must pass the AS examination modules on the way to A Level, but it is possible to retake these modules in the Upper Sixth. A piece of coursework must be completed but it is not submitted for examination. There are 2 written examinations:
Global Issues (30%)
Geographical Skills (20%)
Success at A Level
Geography at Fettes is currently a very successful subject with 100% gaining A-C grades at A Level for the fifth year in a row and 75% of students scored an A grade in 2006. This is an important thing to consider when thinking about university entry. The Department sets high standards for their students.