Year 12 (AS) Knowledge and Understanding We teach Edexcel A level Geography which is one of the most contemporary specifications available. The entire specification is aimed at disseminating knowledge on a modern, interconnected world meaning our students are studying the Geography of today’s global issues.  UNIT 1 60% of AS award Topic 1: World at Risk Topic 2: Going Global Unit 1 focuses on modern and current physical Geography issues like hazard tracking and management, globalisation and global trade. Overview of Assessment: 1-hour-and-30-minute examination in two sections. Section A: objective items, data response and short-answer questions. Section B: choice of Going Global or World at Risk longer/guided essay questions.  UNIT 2 40% of AS award A closer look at how physical and human issues influence lives and can be managed. Physical topic - Crowded Coasts reveals how increasing development is testing our ability to manage these valued environments. Human topics - Rebranding Places focuses on how we need to re-image and regenerate rural and urban places, using appropriate strategies. Overview of Assessment: 1 hour 15 minutes examination in two sections. Candidates will answer one physical question from Section A and one human question from Section B. The questions require longer responses, each with three parts, designed to include data response, investigation and evaluation skills and related impacts/management issues. Skills Development Throughout A level students will learn to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the content, concepts and processes. Analyse, interpret and evaluate geographical information, issues and viewpoints and apply understanding in unfamiliar contexts. Select and use a variety of methods, skills and techniques (including the use of new technologies) to investigate questions and issues, reach conclusions and communicate findings. Year 13 (A2) Knowledge and Understanding Students continue the Edexcel A level Geography specification. In Y13 the specification moves toward more advanced and sophisticated global issues looking at conflict on everything from resource distribution to geopolitics.  UNIT 3 (60% of A2 award) The use and management of resources is a key issue for geography in today’s world. Consumption patterns highlight stark inequalities between regions, countries and groups of people. Many resources are finite, and rising consumption means that difficult decisions over the use of resources will have to be taken more frequently. There are six compulsory topics: Topic 1: Energy Security Topic 2: Water Conflicts Topic 3: Biodiversity Under Threat Topic 4: Superpower Geographies Topic 5: Bridging the Development Gap Topic 6: The Technological Fix? Overview of Assessment: 2-hour-and-30-minute examination in two sections. Students will be asked to select and answer two questions from five in Section A and all questions in Section B.  UNIT 4 (40% of A2 award) Options range from those with a strong physical geography focus, to those concerned more with environmental, social and cultural geographies. Students must select and study one of the following research options: Option 1: Tectonic Activity and Hazards Option 2: Cold Environments – Landscapes and Change Option 3: Life on the Margins – the Food Supply Problem Option 4: The World of Cultural Diversity Option 5: Pollution and Human Health at Risk Option 6: Consuming the Rural Landscape – Leisure and Tourism. Overview of Assessment: 1 hour and 30 minute examination. Candidates will be given a list of questions based on the six options. Candidates will select and answer one question that relates to the option they have studied. Skills Development Students develop knowledge and understanding of selected physical, human and environmental processes that underpin key geographical concepts. We develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of place, space, diversity, interdependence, people– environment interaction, the processes associated with these, and change over time. Students use a range of skills and techniques, including the use of maps and images at different scales necessary for geographical study and to carry out research and out-of-classroom work including fieldwork. Finally they will use modern information technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS). Literacy Across Key Stage 5, students are given opportunities to develop literacy skills. Although on the Edexcel A level specification spelling, punctuation and grammar is not included in the mark scheme, though this is subject to change. Students through their written work will show evidence of description, explanation, discursive writing, analysis and evaluation. The importance of spelling correct geographical terminology is highlighted in teaching and learning activities. Schemes of work allow for the development of speaking and listening skills through questioning, debates, role play and presentations. A range of reading materials are used to enhance the delivery of topics both in class and outside of class time. Students develop reading skills which require them to select and retrieve geographical information from a range of sources. Independent Study & VLE Essays are set weekly. Students are expected to spend 60+ minutes on homework per week. Homework tasks include independent research, extended writing, drafting written work, redrafting written work, worksheets, preparing presentations, reading in preparation for lessons, research on topical geographical events. Through the VLE and library students have access to lesson resources, revision resources, stretch and challenge activities, teacher resources and reading lists. Meeting the Needs of Individual Students A level classes tend to be much smaller in number than GCSE which means each student gets a lot more personal attention from their teacher and this reflects in their work. Our teachers are highly proficient at matching work with pupil ability levels, though our A level students are predominantly students who achieved highly at GCSE. Students sit a Higher Paper (A*-D) or Foundation Paper (CG) in A level Geography. For the more able; students are given opportunities to show detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of a wide range of geographical concepts, processes and patterns. This is done through open ended written tasks which allow students to show their potential. For those who find Geography more challenging; we provide structured writing frames and resources which enable students to work through questions in a more methodical and planned way. A range of teaching and learning activities are used in order to successfully engage students in their learning; mixed ability groups, paired work, and class debate and discussion. Our unique 3 weekly assessment cycle help students track their progress and help staff monitor students’ progression in Geography. The bespoke nature of our particular marking scheme allows us to set tasks to truly stretch and challenge our very able students, while also setting manageable, accessible tasks for our lesser able students. G&T Geography students will be provided with work which will allow them to show their potential. Higher paper questions will enable them to show their ability by using higher thinking skills of analysis and evaluation. Students will be required to read extensively, around the subject. The website geographyinthenews.rgs.org is very helpful here. SEN students will be given differentiated questions and for longer answer responses will be provided with writing frames. We also have an academic tutor programme for our lesser achieving students that has proven very successful in raising student attainment. Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs In year 12 and in 13 our students will go on 2 separate day long fieldwork trips to an applicable location to complete their fieldwork. We run a Geography Council comprised of members of each year group who help run Geographical competitions and initiatives in the school. Additional Support for Learning Revision books and exam booklets are provided to all students. Revision/extension classes are held for controlled assessment and for exam paper revision (optional). Lunchtime help is also available for students who need further support and assistance. Websites to Support Learning www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org www.googleearth.com www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography www.revisionworld.co.uk/gcse/geography www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography www.geography.learnonthenet.co.uk/podcasts/index.html www.geographypods.com www.coolgeography.co.uk www.nationalgeographic.com www.georesources.co.uk Resources Needed Pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, highlighter, coloured pens (including green), colouring pencils and a calculator.