A Level Geography

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

How is our climate changing? Will we ever be able to feed the world’s population? How can we improve the quality of life in our inner cities? These are examples of the fascinating issues that you will examine when you study Geography. The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Our role in that change is more important than ever. Geography explains the changes and helps to prepare people. It is a subject about now and the future.

Geography gives a balanced viewpoint which is good preparation for the world of work.

Employers want people with the following attributes: - Good communication skills - Ability to work as a team - Ability to manage themselves - Computer literacy - Numeracy and literacy - Spiritual awareness - Environmental awareness - Social awareness - Ability to solve problems

GEOGRAPHY PROVIDES THEM ALL. Geography is a diverse and rewarding subject to study. It can be combined with a large number of other A Level subjects and provides an excellent basis for gaining skills.

YEAR 1:

Paper 1 - Content Overview:
Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change
Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Topic 7 Climate Change Futures

Paper 2 - Content Overview:
Topic 3: Globalisation
Topic 4: Shaping Places
Topic 8: Superpowers
Topic 9: Global Development and Connections

YEAR 2:

Paper 3 - Content Overview:

The specification contains three synoptic themes within the compulsory content areas:
- Players
- Attitudes and actions
- Futures and uncertainties
The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.

Coursework: Independent Investigation (20% of A Level)
Content Overview:
The student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification.
- The student’s investigation will incorporate fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary data.

- The fieldwork which forms the focus and context of the individual investigation may be either human, physical or integrated physical-human.

- The investigation report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing

- Students will be expected to show evidence that they have used both quantitative and qualitative data to support their independent investigation as appropriate to the particular environment and / or location.

Activities

Year 12 field trip to Herne Bay to study coastal management processes and to Canterbury to study urban change. Year 12 and 13 trip to study tectonic hazards in Iceland (every 2 years).

Bespoke lectures at Christchurch University.

Paper 1 (30% of A Level) 1hr 30 min exam

Paper 2 (30% of A Level) 1hr 30 min exam

Paper 3 (20% of Al Level) 1hr 45min exam

Coursework: Independent Investigation (20% of A Level)

Where can this course take me?

Geography is a wide-ranging and multi-faceted subject which can lead to, and aid, many future career paths such as education, military, medicine and the further study of geographical or natural science as well as sociology and anthropology.