Geography A-Level

At A-Level, it is our goal to strive for academic excellence and prepare the world’s decision makers of tomorrow with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to contribute positively and sustainably in our changing world.
 
At AS Level there are two core modules and pupils can normally expect to be taught by two specialist teachers. The modules are……..
 
AS 1: Physical Geography (including fieldwork skills) - CCEA
   Section A concerns skills relating to fieldwork. Students normally undertake a three day residential fieldtrip to Magilligan Field Centre in September or October carrying out an urban study in Coleraine and river study (Curly Burn River). 
   Section B is concerned with the physical environment and human interaction with it. The major topics covered are fluvial (river) environments, ecosystems and atmospheric systems. Case studies range from the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh to Breen Wood in Ballycastle and Hurricane Katrina (USA). 
 
AS 2: Human Geography (including skills and techniques) - CCEA
   Section A is concerned with skills and techniques. Students are required to respond to data in different forms such as choropleth maps, sketch maps, graphs and carry out statistical analysis. 
  Section B is concerned with human processes. Topics covered include population and resources, challenges for urban / rural environments in the 21st Century and development issues. Case studies range from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to The Peak District National Park and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
 
At A2 Level there are two core modules that build on the knowledge and skills gained from AS Level. Pupils can expect to be taught by at least two teachers at A2 Level. The modules are……..
 
A2 1: Human Geography and Global Issues - CCEA
   Section A is comprised of three optional units from which we choose two. The units we can study are:
             Option A: Impact of Population Change
             Option B: Planning for Sustainable Settlements
             Option C: Issues in Ethnic Diversity
   Section B gives students an opportunity to investigate global issues and debates relating to our sustainable future. Each year we will study one of the following four elements:

• Air Pollution – including the climate change debate
• Nuclear Energy – including the nuclear debate
• Agricultural Change and its Impact – including the GM crops debate
• Issues in Tourism – including the ecotourism debate

There is a fieldwork element in this section.
 
A2 2: Physical Geography and Decision Making - CCEA
   Section A is comprised of three optional units from which we choose two. The units we can study are:
Option A: Fluvial and Coastal Environments
Option B: The Nature and Sustainability of Tropical Ecosystems
Option C: The Dynamic Earth
   Section B requires students to prepare for a compulsory decision-making exercise. This takes the form of a case study whereby students analyse a range of resources, use particular skills and techniques and evaluate the results of analysis. Students are asked to take on a particular role and examine conflicting views.