What is Geography?

Geography will arm students with a mixture of skills that they can take forward to university regardless of their subject choice. Research, group work, teamwork, literacy and presentation skills are all developed within the subject as well as cultivating a more rounded world view on global events, such as the events of the middle east and Syria, broadening their understanding and appreciation of why these events have occurred.

Our department has for some years stressed the importance of high expectations and coupled this with outstanding teaching with a lively, enthusiastic team of highly qualified staff. Year after year the subject scores highly in student reviews and many of our students go on to some of the best universities the country has to offer including Oxford, Bristol and Durham.

Specifics

  • Course specific entry requirements

    Grade 5 from English and Maths (4s will be considered) 5 from Geography if taken

  • Assessment methods

    3 exams and independent investigation

  • Course duration

    2 years

  • Course type

    Linear A-level

  • Exam board

    Edexcel

Fieldwork

Our provision of fieldwork has for some years been the highlight of the academic year for students as we travel both within the UK and abroad. Beyond the residential trips to Spain and the Lake District there are many other events and areas in which students can get involved aiding their UCAS statements and improving their knowledge. Including Model UN debate, Local lectures and internal lectures given by leading Geographers. Last year’s students met with Dr. Iain Stewart and listened to him discuss tectonic events. We now spend 5 days in Northern Spain where we consider the impacts of rising Catalan identity, water security and regeneration in a city of nearly 8 million people. Students stay in the beautiful coastal resort of Sitges.

Course content summary:

  • Unit 1 – Physical Geography – Examination (30%)

    Tectonic processes | The Water Cycle and hazards and water insecurity | Glaciated landscapes | The carbon cycle and change and energy security

  • Unit 2 – Human Geography – Examination (30%)

    Globalisation | Regenerating places | Superpowers | Migration, Identity and Sovereignty

  • Unit 3 – Synoptic Exam (20%)

    Based on a geographical issue using unseen resources

  • Unit 4 – Internally assessed coursework (20%)

    Students complete an independent investigation

What Xaverian does for you:

  • Over the past 10 years Earth Science degrees by Xaverian students has risen dramatically and presently we have ex-students studying deserts in California and Nevada, on glaciers in Svalbard and volcanoes in the Caribbean. Xaverian has equipped students with the confidence and freedom of spirit to take on new challenges with ease and improve their life chances not only in Geography but within their chosen fields.

  • Xaverian is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable A-level, but leave with the relevant life and work based skills. We do not believe in a pens down experience but actively promote learning in different environments. We offer you the opportunity to complete key activities such as the UN model debate, express your views through regular class discussions and research based tests to make sure you are prepared for University.

  • The department has a vastly experienced team who are both senior examiners, one of which is a Chartered Geographer. Both members of the team have experience of not only examining but also writing extensively for the exam board.

What Xaverian does for you:

  • Over the past 10 years Earth Science degrees by Xaverian students has risen dramatically and presently we have ex-students studying deserts in California and Nevada, on glaciers in Svalbard and volcanoes in the Caribbean. Xaverian has equipped students with the confidence and freedom of spirit to take on new challenges with ease and improve their life chances not only in Geography but within their chosen fields.

  • Xaverian is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable A-level, but leave with the relevant life and work based skills. We do not believe in a pens down experience but actively promote learning in different environments. We offer you the opportunity to complete key activities such as the UN model debate, express your views through regular class discussions and research based tests to make sure you are prepared for University.

  • The department has a vastly experienced team who are both senior examiners, one of which is a Chartered Geographer. Both members of the team have experience of not only examining but also writing extensively for the exam board.