Geography A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Geography’s subject content is stimulating and broad, covering a range of physical and human geographical themes, from tectonic hazards to migration. Geography at A Level is highly respected, and the Russell Group of Universities classify Geography as a facilitating subject i.e. one that is recommended to be taken in preparation for Higher Education.

We follow the AQA specification and we do not enter students for AS examinations. Terminal examinations are sat at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 sees students studying Physical Geography, with natural hazards, coastal landscapes and the water and carbon cycles being explored. Paper 2 has a Human Geography focus, and students engage with the dynamics of cities, migration, the changing image of places, as well as globalisation and international decision-making.

Twenty percent of the overall marks are based on the assessment of a 3,000-4,000 word coursework project. To complete this, students will conduct fieldwork investigations in Dorset in the first week back after the Easter break. . Students stay there for four days, and are supported not just by the staff at MGS, but also by well qualified and highly experienced field work experts at Leeson House, Swanage. Students formulate their own coursework question, and they develop a host of data collection skills over the course of the trip. Students will enhance their data interpretation skills as well. The skills developed are excellent preparation for Higher Education, and are highly valued by employers.

Over the course of the two years, students will be supported by dedicated and well qualified staff. The subject is a popular choice at A Level, and its students are typically successful. Indeed, the most recent data showed that 70.5% of students achieved A*-B grades.

As above.

To study this course, you should have a Grade 6 in Geography at GCSE. Also, at least Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses, which could lead onto Higher Education to study Geography, other areas of Humanities, Science or more general Higher Eeducation courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Geography such as a Town Planner, Environmental Officer or Weather Forecaster. This is a recognised qualification that will help you to develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.