Geography AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

The A Level Geography course is both fascinating and relevant. It incorporates a wide range of contemporary global issues that are of vital importance to modern society. The course offers pupils the chance to discover more fully our ever-changing environment and aims to encourage the development of skills essential for university and the world of work, in a stimulating and varied manner. It appeals to those who have a sense of discovery and curiosity, and enjoy investigating the remarkable world we live in.

A Level Geography requires an enquiring mind. Wide background reading is essential. Lessons are a mixture of research, presentations, geographical skills and investigations using a variety of sources. Pupils will learn to collect and interpret data, analyse information and produce coherent, well-argued essays and reports; they should develop an understanding of values and opinions in order to be able to argue their case and debate the issues.

A LEVEL EXAMINATION

DYNAMIC LANDSCAPES: WEIGHTING 30%, 2¼ hour paper

The study of physical landscapes, contextualised through tectonic processes and hazards and the threats facing our evolving coastal landscapes, will give an understanding of the core processes which drive change on the Earth’s surface. Topical issues are investigated through the study of the water cycle and water security, the carbon cycle and energy security and climate change and the planet’s future.

DYNAMIC PLACES: WEIGHTING 30%, 2¼ hour paper

The study of the changing human influences on the world around us, by investigating the causes and consequences of globalisation on different people and places, and how we reimage and rebrand places. Global issues are explored through the study of geopolitics, the influence of superpowers and the reasons for shifting political and economic power. There will be the opportunity to study global health, human rights and the intervention into humanitarian crisis.

GEOGRAPHICAL DEBATES: WEIGHTING 20%, 2¼ hour paper

Geographical debates allows learners to explore in depth some of the most challenging, dynamic and fascinating issues of the 21st century, linking the range of human and physical topics studied.

INVESTIGATIVE GEOGRAPHY: WEIGHTING 20%, Independent project

In this component learners undertake an independent investigation linked to an aspect of the specification which appeals to their intellectual curiosity. It is designed to encourage a deeper knowledge and understanding whilst developing a number of geographical and study skills relevant to Higher Education or the world of work.

The A Level provides a significant bridge between the topics studied at school and university. As a facilitating subject, it leads on to a diverse range of degree courses for both BA and BSc qualifications, and many go on to further academic study or use their skills in conversion courses. Geography’s strength is its breadth of subject matter, which makes it particularly appealing to future employers. Geography graduates pursue careers in fields including the environment, media, public service, finance, marketing, law and politics.

During the spring term in the Lower Sixth, pupils will learn and practise the field work skills needed for their Independent Investigation. Every two years we offer 50 Sixth Form geographers the opportunity to visit the extraordinary island of Iceland for six days, during the October half-term. The current Year 11 will be offered the trip when in the U6th. This costs approximately £1400 (2022).

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE, which could lead onto higher education to study Geography, other areas of humanities, science or more general higher education courses. Geography’s strength is its breadth of subject matter – the new A Level provides a much greater bridge between the topics studied at school and university. It leads on to a diverse range of degree courses for both BA and BSc qualifications. Geography graduates pursue careers in a wide variety of fields including local government and planning, business, environmental issues, recreation, travel and tourism, agriculture and horticulture, civil engineering, cartography, teaching, meteorology, law, banking and commerce. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE 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.