Geography A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

This is a linear course with all examinations at the end of the two years of study.

Geography is a current and relevant subject that will help you make sense of real world issues and places. Geography in the Sixth form will encourage you to:

• Acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of physical processes and environments
• Acquire communication, numerical, graphical, problem solving and teamwork skills
• Develop an understanding of the inter-relationships between people and their environments
• Understand how decisions are made concerning the use and management of environments and resources
• Develop your own values and attitudes in relation to geographical issues and questions
• Become critical, reflective and independent learners

Help prepare you to succeed in your chosen pathway

The A level Geography course contains the following units:

Area of study 1: Dynamic Landscapes

• Tectonic Processes and Hazards
• Landscape Systems, Processes and Change

Area of study 2: Dynamic Places

• Globalisation
• Regenerating Places

Area of study 3: Physical Systems and Sustainability

• The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
• The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Area of study 4: Human Systems and Geopolitics

• Superpowers
• Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

Students will also undertake an individual piece of coursework based upon their own independent investigation

Students are assessed in school using exam questions, end-of-unit tests and homework activities.

Paper 1 Written examination: 2 hours

30% of the qualification 90 marks

This paper will examine the following topics:

• Tectonic Processes and Hazards
• Landscape Systems, Processes and Change
• The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
• The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 10-mark and 15-mark extended writing questions.

Paper 2 Written examination: 2 hours

30% of the qualification 90 marks

This paper will examine the following topics:

• Globalisation
• Regenerating Places
• Superpowers

• Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 10-mark and 15-mark extended writing questions.

Paper 3 Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

20% of the qualification 60 marks

This paper is a synoptic investigation which will draw on knowledge from all of the compulsory topics. Students will be given a resource booklet and answer questions relating to:

• Players
• Attitudes and actions
• Futures and uncertainties

The examination may include short open, open response and resource-linked questions. The examination includes 6-mark, 15-mark and 18-mark extended writing questions.

Coursework: Independent Investigation (9GE0/04)

Non-examined assessment

20% of the qualification 60 marks

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

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 in GCSE Geography

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

Higher education to study geography, other areas of humanities, science or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to geography such as a Town Planner, Environmental Officer or Weather Forecaster. You could also go straight into a job as the qualification will help you to develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.You could take this course with other Advanced level courses such as Travel and Tourism or Health and Social Care, to prepare for higher education in areas of geography, humanities, science or more general higher education courses.